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Anyone who’s watched a rally race will understand the appeal of the sport: it’s an irresistible combination of speed, skill and endurance.

If you’re looking to get into rally or just want to brush up on your understanding of the sport, this post will help. Here we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the sport.

What is rally racing, and how does it work?

We covered this question in our definitive guide to rally cars, but if you’ve not read that yet here’s a summary:

‘Rally’ covers many different events, including stage rally, road rally, rallycross, cross-country rally and several others. Each is a variation on a core concept of competing to complete a series of timed stages or routes as quickly as possible. The team with the lowest cumulative score wins.

Unlike other types of racing that use a dedicated track, rally races are often held on closed public roads or routes in other terrains like mud, snow or ice.

Each rally team has a driver and a co-driver, with the latter providing a description of the route ahead and helping the driver to anticipate turns and hazards.

Rally cars are designed to handle tough terrains and extreme conditions: you can find more about this in our guide.


What are the different types of rally racing?

There are several types of rally racing, each bringing its own challenges for competitors and excitement for spectators:

  • Road rally: this type often takes place on closed public roads and emphasises precision and navigation as well as outright speed. Road rally is an entry-level form where beginners can refine their skills.
  • Gravel rally: a common type of rally that takes place on unpaved gravel roads. A looser surface places greater emphasis on car control, with more advanced techniques required to compete.
  • Snow rally: snow and ice make this type of rally particularly challenging, and require specialised tyres with extra grip along with high levels of driving skill.

Mountain rally: this type takes place on narrow, winding roads with steep inclines and sharp corners. Higher risks mean that precision and courage are crucial: definitely not an entry-level competition.


What’s the difference between rally and track racing?

Anyone who’s watched both types of race will know there are many differences, but let’s take a look at some of the most significant ones:

  • Terrain: track racing takes place on purpose-built tracks with smooth, predictable surfaces. Rally uses varied terrains and requires drivers to be able to handle unpredictable surfaces. 
  • Race format: track racing sees all drivers compete on the same track with the winner being the first to pass the finish line after the required amount of laps, whereas in rally one driver races at a time. Cumulative time is used to determine the winner.
  • Navigation: in track racing, a driver relies on their knowledge of the track to navigate – sometimes with support from people off-track via radio link. Rally drivers have co-drivers with them to provide descriptions of the course.

Cars: track race car design emphasises speed, aerodynamics, and downforce. Rally cars emphasise durability and adaptability.


How do you get into rally racing?

The route into rally can be challenging, but if you’re interested in participating in the sport here’s how to do it:

  • Watch races and attend events: this will give you a feel for the sport and a confirmation that it’s something you’d like to do.
  • Join a rally club: clubs host events where you can meet fellow fans, as well as offering driving events and opportunities to connect with current rally drivers.
  • Get a competition licence: in the UK, rally driving schools can award competition licences. To earn one you will need to demonstrate a sufficient level of skill and physical fitness. 
  • Get insured: with a licence in hand, getting adequate race and rally insurance before you compete will keep you covered in case of accident or injury

Enter events: starting with local events that are less competitive will let you refine your skills, with the view to moving up to more competitive events over time.


What are the best rally races across the world?

For a rally fan wanting to see the very best races, here are some of the most enduringly popular rally events around the world:

  • Rallye Monte-Carlo – Monaco: one of the oldest and most prestigious rallies
  • Safari Rally – Kenya: gruelling, unpredictable and intense
  • Rally Sweden – Sweden: the only full-snow event in the World Rally Championship

Dakar Rally – Saudi Arabia: thousands of miles of extreme terrain


Any other questions?

Rally racing is loved by fans the world over thanks to the high speeds, high intensity, and guaranteed excitement. We hope this primer has been useful in answering your questions about rally racing.

If you have any questions about rally racing or getting insured for the sport, get in touch with our team.