WRC Introduces Virtual Chicanes at Rally Finland

The WRC will implement virtual chicanes for the first time in the competition at Rally Finland. This innovation will allow the reintroduction of the famous Ouninpohja stage, known for its high levels of speed and difficulty, and represents a significant technological advancement in rally safety.

Implementation of Virtual Chicanes

Virtual chicanes will be used in Rally Finland to reduce the speed of the cars before challenging sections without the need for physical obstacles. Instead of using heavy hay bales, organizers can designate predetermined areas where drivers must slow down to 60 km/h. This technology has already been tested in other championships, such as the European Rally Championship at Rally di Roma and in the shakedown of Rally Latvia.

Operation and Safety

During the rally stages, teams will see signals counting down from 300 meters to 100 meters before the virtual chicane zone. These warnings will also appear on the tracking device inside the car, which will show a green light when the correct speed is reached. Failing to reduce the speed to 60 km/h will result in a penalty of two seconds for every km/h over the limit, added to the total stage time.

Detailed Operation of Virtual Chicanes

• Progressive Signaling: Teams will see warning signals counting down from 300 meters to 100 meters before the virtual chicane.
• Tracking Device: The car is equipped with a tracking device that shows a green light when the correct speed is reached. This device also provides red flag warnings during stages.
• Speed Reduction: Within a 200-meter zone before the virtual chicane, cars must reduce their speed to 60 km/h.
• Speeding Penalty: If a car does not reduce its speed to 60 km/h, it will receive a penalty of two seconds for every km/h over the limit, added to the total stage time.
• Speed Resumption: Once the correct speed is reached and the chicane zone is passed, the car can accelerate normally again.

Opinions

Despite the advantages, some WRC drivers have expressed concerns about the virtual chicane system. Esapekka Lappi, from Hyundai, criticized the system for requiring drivers to take their eyes off the road to check the green light on the tracking device. Elfyn Evans, from Toyota, shared this opinion, highlighting the inconsistency of the system and the distraction it generates.

Sebastien Ogier, eight-time world champion, suggested that a radar system used in the Finnish Rally Championship could offer a more reliable solution. Ogier expressed concerns about the reliability of the GPS signal and the need to look at the tracking device instead of the road, which could compromise safety.

Nicolas Klinger, FIA rally safety delegate, defended the system by stating that the tracking box is clearly visible to both the driver and co-driver. He also highlighted that the use of virtual chicanes allows for uniform deceleration among all competitors, preventing unfair advantages. However, Richard Millener, M-Sport team principal, considers the penalty for exceeding the speed limit to be excessive and potentially ruinous for teams in the competition.

Millener argued that the penalty of two seconds for each km/h over the limit is too severe, especially in situations where an error or anomaly might occur. This penalty could have a significant impact on rally results, disadvantaging teams that commit minor infractions.