This glossary brings together essential terms used in rallying by drivers and co-drivers. Whether you're a beginner or experienced, find here the definitions of indispensable technical vocabulary for your reconnaissance and competitions.
Preparation phase during which the driver and co-driver travel the special stage route before the race to take notes and prepare the roadbook. Generally done at reduced speed while respecting traffic laws.
Detailed notes taken by the co-driver during reconnaissance, precisely describing each corner, camber, jump or difficulty of the route. They are dictated to the driver during the race.
Document gathering all navigation notes for one or more special stages. It contains distances, corner angles, descriptions and landmarks.
Partial distance counter allowing precise measurement of distances between each note. Can be reset to zero at any time.
Timed section of a rally, generally on a road closed to traffic. This is where crews give their maximum to achieve the best time.
Measurement of the degree of steering wheel rotation needed to negotiate a corner. Generally expressed in degrees (e.g., 90°, 120°) or categories (1 to 6, from most open to tightest).
Direction of the corner. Often abbreviated to 'L' or 'R' in notes.
Very tight corner, generally over 150°, requiring strong braking. Equivalent to a 180° turn.
Rapid succession of S-bends, alternating left-right or right-left, requiring zigzagging.
Qualifier added to a corner to specify its length. A 'long right' is maintained over a great distance, a 'short left' is brief.
Indicates the evolution of the corner radius. 'Opens' means the corner widens, 'tightens' means it closes.
A 'cut' corner can be taken by clipping the inside to save time. A 'linked' corner follows immediately after another.
Lateral inclination of the road. Can be positive (tilted toward the outside of the corner) or negative (tilted toward the inside), influencing grip and trajectory.
Terrain elevation that can launch the car. A bump is light, a jump is more pronounced requiring specific throttle management.
Depression or abrupt hollow in the road, can destabilize the vehicle if taken too fast.
Top of a climb or bump, often synonymous with loss of visibility and sometimes takeoff.
Flat area after a bump or before a descent. Allows regaining grip.
Indication that the driver can accelerate to maximum without immediate risk.
Speed modulation instructions. 'Brake' requests braking, 'Lift' to lift off the throttle, 'Slow' to reduce progressively.
Warning indicating not to cut the inside of the corner (obstacle, ditch, rock, etc.).
General alert signaling imminent danger or particular difficulty requiring increased vigilance.
Road position instruction, often before a blind corner or to prepare a trajectory.
Type of road surface, determining the grip level and driving style.
Qualification of a low-grip surface, due to moisture, mud, or gravel.
Presence of small stones on the road reducing grip and potentially damaging the vehicle.
Road condition affecting grip and requiring adaptation of speed and trajectories.
Road journey between two special stages, done on open roads respecting traffic laws and imposed schedules.
Secured area where vehicles are grouped and where no mechanical intervention is authorized, except during dedicated service times.
Dedicated area and time where the mechanical team can work on the vehicle for repairs and adjustments.
Achieving the best time on a special stage. A driver who 'scratches' sets the fastest time.
Time added to the overall time for non-compliance with regulations (delay, shortcut, speeding in transit, etc.).
Stopping the race following a mechanical problem or accident. Going off-road can lead to retirement if the vehicle cannot resume.
Audio system allowing driver and co-driver to communicate clearly despite ambient noise and helmets.
Mandatory safety equipment, protecting the head in case of accident and often equipped with a microphone for the intercom.
Multi-point seatbelt system (4, 5 or 6 points) firmly holding the occupant in case of impact or going off-road.
Reinforced metal structure protecting the cabin in case of rollover or violent impact.
Mandatory safety equipment in rallying, allowing quick intervention in case of fire.