What are virtual chicanes, and how do they work in WRC?

Chicanes are not new to rallying. They’ve been a part of the sport for decades, primarily to enhance safety by reducing average speeds or slowing cars before particularly challenging sections.

Traditionally, hay bales have been used to create chicanes. Cars slow down, weave through the bales, and then accelerate back to full speed. This method has downsides, such as the potential for car damage and the need for additional manpower to reposition bales knocked out of place.

Virtual chicanes aim to address these issues and will be implemented during shakedown and in Ouninpohja (SS13/SS16) next week.

 
How do they work?

On approach: Signs will count down from 300 to 200 to 100 meters before the virtual chicane zone begins. The tracking display unit that is fitted inside every car will also count down to this distance, while arches above the road will mark the start and finish of the zone.

Slowing down: Within this 200-metre stretch, the rally car must decelerate to a maximum of 60kph. The tracking unit display inside the cockpit will show the car’s speed and instantly turn green once the target speed is reached.

 
Acceleration: Once the target speed is achieved, be it near the start or end of the 200-metre zone, the car may accelerate again.

 
Penalties: If a car does not reach the 60kph target, the crew will incur a penalty of two seconds per kph over the limit. This time penalty will be added to the time at the end of the stage. For example, if a car only slowed to 63kph within the zone, a time penalty of six seconds would be applied.

The introduction of virtual chicanes adds a new layer of strategy to WRC. As cars can slow down at any point within the specified 200-metre zone, teams will need to plan their approach carefully. Choosing the optimal point to decelerate and accelerate will influence stage times and, of course, the final standings.