Rally1 data and audio soon to be used by the promoter

The idea was put forward a few months ago during a conversation, without it being really allowed to talk about it. Since then, it has made progress and there have even already been attempts to see the feasibility of the process and what it can bring. Before talking about these tests, we must see what they are all about.

The principle is quite easy. The Rally1s carry more than a hundred sensors. The data collected is mainly used by the team technicians. When the car returns to the service park, the engineers can retrieve maps or they simply plug in their computer to check how their car performed and make modifications if necessary, which drivers often call: " change of map ". The FIA ​​can also exploit these sensors to carry out safety checks. There is therefore a very large amount of data.

It is from this set that the promoter wants to draw a certain amount of data to use in his comments. If at first the idea appeared crazy and unrealizable because it required the agreement of the teams, it nevertheless made its way with among the consultants on this project, Andrea Adamo the former boss of Hyundai. Relying on the Italian's technical knowledge, his address book and his power of conviction, the promoter succeeded in bringing all the parties together. Manufacturers who are always demanding more visibility and innovation could not miss what is today called “ the command center », but which will perhaps receive another name by January.

Among the arguments for the implementation of this system, there is that concerning the possibility for teams to see in real time what is happening on their car. If a problem arises, they will have the opportunity to resolve it, but at the same time the promoter will have a story to tell instead of filming a driver arrested on a liaison with his engineer on the phone. One of the goals is to keep competitors rolling.

Beyond this argument, the promoter of WRC affirms that this new feature will be transparent for the teams’ budgets. Everything is already available in cars and all you need to do is add a small additional antenna to send data. Among all the sensors, it is not planned to flood the live stream with a flood of information which could push the teams to recruit an engineer to analyze it and make predictions. The goal is not to provoke an arms race. As it is difficult to slow down technicians, we will have to see if this argument holds water. As long as there is data available, won't it be impossible to prevent the thinking heads from doing what they do best? It will be necessary to regulate this when the system comes into operation.

How it works ?

Until now, the rare comments that spectators could hear of the communications between the cockpit and the team were very succinct. There was the famous: “ EP finnish the stage » launched to the general public by Jane Ferm, the co-pilot of Esapekka Lappi. In Finland, there was also: “ We went off the road. We are outside. Sorry for the whole team », by Jonne Halttunen after his rolls with Kalle Rovanperä on Sunday.

Next year, it should be possible to hear more things, because the communications will be usable. An antenna will be installed on the cars and it will transmit the data via an LTE (4G) connection and at the other end an analysis system called Wintax 4 will process it in such a way that it can be accessed and displayed in a way intelligible. The promoter will provide universal radio equipment so that all three teams are on an equal footing. In order for everything to fall into place, the first tests started in June, whenAdrien fourmaux completed his preparation day for the high-speed triptych (Poland, Latvia, Finland).

Then, Martins Sesks' Ford Puma Rally1 was the first guinea pig of this system in Latvia. Sami Pajari took over in Finland. They were chosen because they played no role in the championship. The next step is to equip one car per team during the rally of Central Europe (October 17-20) and to continue the development, the goal being that the entire Rally1 field is connected to Monte-Carlo 2025 (January 23-26, 2025).

Among the data that could be displayed and thus authorize stories, there could be tire pressure, engine temperature, different fluid pressures, that of the hybrid system or even the temperature of the rear differential... If an alarm appears, it will be immediately detected and commentators will have material to argue about why this or that car slowed down. Beyond the problems, this data will be able to offer comparisons between two Rally1s or two competitors regarding their use of hybrid, tires, trajectories...the spectrum is wide.

This additional tool will be interesting to monitor, especially if its analysis is relevant. This data should provide certain explanations, particularly in the event of a crew stopping, and perhaps this will make the WRC easier to understand? However, isn't this contribution aimed at fans who are already rally enthusiasts? How will this technical information make it possible to reach a different audience...and so numerous that all the manufacturers will then rush to come to the WRC? Radio and data will probably not save the discipline, but they will constitute an advance that will always be pleasant to exploit.

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