Rallying always brings challenges, but the recent WRC event in Portugal raised eyebrows with its grueling schedule. The fifth round saw additional stages added on Friday, meaning crews had to tackle 10 stages starting at 7:35 AM and ending at 9 PM in Porto. Throughout the day, drivers and co-drivers spent 14 hours in their cars covering a total distance of 683 kilometers, with 146 kilometers being competitive stages. This was punctuated by only two 20-minute service stops and two regroups. The action continued on Saturday with the first car leaving service at 6 AM for a 13-hour day.
The leading WRC2 driver reflected that while long days are part of rallying, there needs to be more consideration for adequate rest. He pointed out that with temperatures reaching 40-50 degrees in the cockpit and limited water intake, the challenge becomes even more daunting. The sentiment was echoed by competitors across the board, emphasizing the need for balanced schedules to ensure safety and performance on the challenging stages. Juara bertahan Thierry Neuville also highlighted the need for more time to prepare for upcoming stages, citing the physically demanding nature of the sport.
In conclusion, while long days are a staple of rally events, the recent schedule in Portugal has brought to light the need for a more balanced approach to ensure the well-being and performance of drivers and crews. It’s a testament to the resilience of the competitors that they can tackle such demanding schedules, but adjustments may be necessary moving forward to maintain the integrity and safety of the sport.
