Rally Germany trials 'virtual recce'

The organisers of Rallye Deutschland are claiming a world first by offering drivers a DVD preview of this year’s rally stages filmed by an onboard camera.

The pair of DVDs, described by organisers as ‘virtual pace notes’, enable competitors and teams to see each of the rally’s 19 special stages and 367 kilometres from a drivers’ point of view at ’almost’ rally speed.

The DVD is intended to supplement the traditional pre-event stage reconnaissance which will still take place in the Trier region on the Tuesday and Wednesday before the rally starts.

Organisers say that the scheme, which has the blessing of the FIA, will ‘avoid too much hustle’ in the run up to the event and will be of particular benefit to newcomers.

“This is a world premier with considerable safety implications and at the same time a special navigation aid for newcomers”, said Clerk of the Course Armin Kohl. “Long before the rally and when putting the final touches on their pace notes, the rally course will be familiar to the teams, not least thanks to the icons highlighting new special stages or sections on the DVD.”

A total of 200 DVDs will be sent free of charge to WRC teams and entrants as well as rally officials.