5 Skills That Make A Good Rally Driver

With the Rally Clasíco Isla Mallorca just around the corner, we thought we should delve into the world of rally driving and explore what it takes to excel in this dynamic and thrilling sport.

Rallying has captivated fans worldwide with its unique challenge that tests a driver’s skills, teamwork, and endurance. Unlike traditional circuit racing, rallying is a relentless battle against the elements and a race against the clock. It’s a sport that demands technical skills, mental resilience, and physical endurance, making it a fascinating experience for both drivers and spectators.

But what are the most essential skills that make a good rally driver?

A good rally driver needs a combination of technical skills, mental resilience, and physical endurance. Here are five key skills:

1 Mental Resilience & Focus. Rallying is physically and mentally exhausting. Drivers must maintain intense concentration for long periods and stay calm under pressure.

2. Quick reaction time. The average human reaction time is a quarter of a second (250 milliseconds). A professional racing driver who is physically fit, gifted in high-speed driving, and fired with adrenaline can react remarkably quickly, in as little as 0.2 of a second.

3. Car Control & Precision – Mastering throttle control, braking, and weight transfer is essential for handling various terrains, from gravel to snow, at high speeds.

4. Mechanical knowledge of the car. If the vehicle shreds a tire on a rock, breaks the suspension on a jump, or crunches the body on a barrier, the ability to diagnose and manage mechanical issues mid-race can be the difference between finishing or retiring.

5. Adaptability and Terrain reading. Rally stages change rapidly due to weather, surface conditions, and unexpected obstacles. As they are always facing the unknown and never quite sure what will happen around the next corner, it is paramount for rally drivers’ to possess the ability to quickly adapt to these variations while racing and have knowledge of the surface.

Win-Team Seb Perez Gary McElhinney, Rally Clasíco Isla Mallorca 2024 , Puerto Portals

Lastly, rallying is more than just about controlling a car. It’s about building a strong partnership with your co-driver, a relationship that is crucial to success. Trust in the co-driver and effective communication skills are just as important as driving skills. When the pressure is on, rally drivers must rely on their co-driver’s pace notes and instructions about upcoming corners and road surface conditions. Quick decision-making based on these notes is crucial for maintaining speed and control, highlighting the importance of teamwork in this sport. That being said, how does one become a rally driver?

There are many ways for juniors to start in the rallying world. First and foremost,  you need to have a full driving license and be at least 17, but you can compete as a navigator as early as you are 12. Several of today’s top racing drivers got their start in karting. The principle in karting is the same as many motorsports: karts go wheel-to-wheel and race to the chequered flag. You can start karting as early as your 6th birthday and work through the various ranks.