The World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally is one of the most grueling events in the WRC calendar. Held annually in Kenya, the rally is known for its tough terrain, unpredictable weather conditions, and challenging stages. One of the key events that take place during the Safari Rally is the shakedown. The shakedown is a practice session held a day before the main rally event. Here are eight things that take place during the WRC Safari Rally shakedown.
- Testing of the car: The shakedown provides the drivers and teams with an opportunity to test their cars ahead of the rally proper. The drivers can test the handling, suspension, and brakes of their cars, among other things. This is important as it allows the drivers to fine-tune their cars to suit the specific conditions of the rally.
- Familiarization with the terrain: The shakedown also allows the drivers to familiarize themselves with the terrain of the rally. This is particularly important for the Safari Rally, which is known for its challenging terrain. During the shakedown, the drivers can test their cars on sections of the rally route to get a feel of the conditions they will encounter during the rally.
- Assessment of the competition: The shakedown also provides the drivers and teams with an opportunity to assess the competition. They can observe the performance of their rivals and use this information to adjust their strategy for the rally proper.
- Communication with the team: The shakedown is also a time for the drivers to communicate with their teams. They can provide feedback on the performance of their cars and discuss any changes that need to be made before the rally proper.
- Testing of the tires: The shakedown also allows the teams to test the tires they will use during the rally. They can assess the performance of different tire compounds and make a decision on which ones to use during the rally proper.
- Practice of rally techniques: The shakedown is also an opportunity for the drivers to practice their rally techniques. They can test their pace notes, which are detailed descriptions of the rally stages that the co-driver reads to the driver during the rally. They can also practice their cornering techniques, braking points, and acceleration.
- Fine-tuning of the car setup: The shakedown is also an opportunity for the teams to fine-tune the setup of the cars. This includes adjusting the suspension, steering, and other components to suit the specific conditions of the rally.
- Assessment of the weather: The shakedown also allows the teams to assess the weather conditions. This is particularly important for the Safari Rally, which is known for its unpredictable weather. The teams can test their cars on different sections of the rally route to get a feel of how the cars will perform in different weather conditions.
Summarily, the shakedown is a crucial event that takes place during the WRC Safari Rally. It provides the drivers and teams with an opportunity to test their cars, familiarize themselves with the terrain, assess the competition, communicate with their teams, test the tires, practice their rally techniques, fine-tune the car setup, and assess the weather conditions. All these activities help the drivers and teams to prepare adequately for the grueling Safari Rally, which is known for its tough terrain and unpredictable weather conditions.