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Preparations for the Monte Carlo Rally: A New Era for WRC Teams
The introduction of new technical regulations and a switch to a different tyre manufacturer have heightened the stakes for World Rally Championship teams as they get ready for the challenging Monte Carlo Rally. This season marks a notably demanding phase for WRC crews, arguably more so than any recent vintage. The changes echo the significance of the debut of Rally1 cars in 2022, underscoring the critical need for comprehensive pre-event testing.
This year, Rally1 cars will compete without hybrid power, following a decision by the FIA to eliminate this central aspect of the 2022 Rally1 framework. Consequently, vehicles have become lighter by 87 kilograms and will operate with a constricted 35mm air restrictor.
This reduction translates to a loss of around 130 horsepower, although the decrease in weight may enhance agility. Teams now face the urgent task of adapting to how these changes affect their cars across various conditions. Adjustments have been made to elements such as exhaust systems, camshafts, and gear ratios to compensate for the absence of hybrid boost.
Additionally, the debut of Hankook control tyres adds another layer of complexity to the preparations, as teams strive to understand how these new tyres perform on different surfaces, including asphalt, gravel, and snow.
Even seasoned drivers like Toyota’s nine-time Monte winner, Sébastien Ogier, have expressed that competitors may be “less prepared than ever.” Hyundai’s test and development leader, Jordi Riba, echoes this sentiment, remarking on the unprecedented challenges this year’s testing entails.
The Significance of Testing in WRC
According to Riba, the current testing limitations in the WRC make it imperative that teams use their allotted time effectively. Each team receives just 21 days a year for pre-event testing within Europe. With an additional event on the calendar, the pressure on teams to maximize their test programmes intensifies.
Moreover, while teams can conduct unlimited testing at their permanent facilities, such as Toyota and Hyundai’s gravel bases in Finland or M-Sport’s routes in Cumbria, the pre-event test allocation remains crucial for ensuring that car setups are optimal and drivers are comfortable with the conditions they will encounter.
Producing effective test sessions in rallying is significantly more complex compared to circuit racing, where teams operate from fixed race tracks. In rallying, numerous variables must be accounted for, including the selection of public roads that mirror the rally stages. Local authority approval is necessary for road closures, and marshals, often sourced from local motor clubs, must ensure a safe environment.
Riba elaborates on the nature of rally testing: “As rallying is a confidence sport, we really need to work on the things that make a driver feel confident enough to push harder.” He notes that while circuit racing relies heavily on simulation, rallying is significantly influenced by real-world conditions.
The process begins with selecting demanding test roads that exceed the stage conditions anticipated during the rally. Coordination with local officials is critical to mitigate the impact on the community.
Once testing roads are finalized, teams design a test plan in conjunction with their drivers. Unlike circuit racing, where teams usually operate out of permanent garages, rally tests typically see crews working out of temporary setups on the roadside. Recently, Hyundai found a village workshop carved into the mountainside to serve as their base for tendering to test days.
Testing typically runs from 8:30 AM to 6 PM, with designated roads closed to the public. Initial laps are focused on familiarization for the driver before intensive testing begins. This particular session happened under snowy conditions, providing an excellent opportunity to evaluate the newly employed Hankook tyres in challenging environments characteristic of Monte Carlo.
“In the first runs, drivers become reacquainted with the road and the car,” explained Riba, highlighting the professionalism of the drivers that allows them to quickly adapt and begin serious testing thereafter. “If the test progresses well, over 200 kilometers can typically be completed in a day, but disruptions can arise that may consume considerable time.”
The mechanics play an essential role throughout this process, making timely adjustments to optimize the car based on feedback collected during runs. The nuances of selecting the right tyres in fluctuating weather conditions can be pivotal to success at Monte Carlo, and with the new Hankook tyres, gathering data on their performance is exceptionally vital.
Assessing Hyundai’s Readiness for Monte Carlo
For Hyundai, completing three test days to acclimatize to Hankook’s tyres prior to Monte Carlo is deemed “not enough” by Riba, yet he remains optimistic about the data gathered by drivers Thierry Neuville, Ott Tänak, and Adrien Fourmaux. Fourmaux, having transitioned from M-Sport, has already demonstrated promise, winning the Rallye National Hivernal du Devoluy, where he encountered conditions similar to those expected in Monte Carlo.
However, all the preparatory work will ultimately be evaluated against the clock when the rally commences next week. “Monte Carlo is a substantial adventure,” Riba emphasized, warning against the misconception that it is merely a short race. “It is a four-day marathon amid ice and slippery conditions. While we’ve endeavored to prepare effectively, whether we have the pace needed will soon be tested.”
The meticulous preparations undertaken by Hyundai will soon reveal their efficacy as the WRC teams gear up for what promises to be an unpredictable start to the season.
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