Eli5: What does the directions mean in rally racing?
In: 3
The purpose of the co-driver is to survey the course ahead of time to prepare pacenotes, a navigation chart to help the driver.
During the race they read the pacenotes to the driver, warning them what lies ahead, where to turn, the severity of the turn, and what obstacles to look out for.
Since you are moving at such a high speed the pacenotes helps the driver prepare for what’s coming next.
This isn’t necessary on prepared circuits because there’s no obstacles and the tracks are much shorter (you do laps) so the drivers can memorize them more easily.
Exactly how useful they are is relative. Some drivers praise their co-drivers as being critical why some drivers notoriously don’t use them at all and think of them just as extra weight in the car.
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