Residents

On this page, you will discover all about how rallies are organised, what measures are taken to limit disruption and how residents are informed and involved in the preparations. Because a successful rally starts with clear communication and mutual respect. This is how we make every rally event a safe, exciting and, above all, jointly supported spectacle.

What is...

Rally

Rally racing differs from other motor sports in that it is not run on permanent race tracks. The competition site consists of several special stages (KPs) on public roads that are temporarily completely closed to other traffic. Each team - consisting of two people: pilot and co-pilot - starts every minute and individually tries to complete the FP as quickly as possible.

To do this properly, the route was scouted beforehand. Then the roads are not yet closed and they have to follow the traffic rules like everyone else. The team then uses a kind of code system, also called pacenotes or notes. By reading out the (intermediate) distances, the gradation of the turns, the state of the road surface and any other useful info, the pilot is told exactly how the course runs.

Whoever at the end of the rally needed the least driving time on all the special stages combined is the overall winner. In addition, there are classifications or based on the car (age, engine capacity, displacement, make, ...). All rally cars must meet strict safety requirements to participate: roll cage, special seats and belts, personal equipment (helmet, HANS system, fireproof undergarments and overalls, etc.). Technical commissioners from the motorsport authority check this during an inspection the day before the race. During the race, the teams regularly return to a common place where quick maintenance can be done on the rally car or new tyres can be put on.

What is...

Classification trial

Classification stages - KPs for short - are prepared the days before the rally because they must also meet very strict safety requirements to ensure the safety of spectators, drivers and local residents. This includes, for example, stretching safety ribbon in predetermined places, placing chicanes, ... This is all done according to an approved safety booklet.

During the rally, there will be track posts to keep the race and the public on track. They are also the first point of contact for the stage steward during the race. In fact, the track post is in contact with the FP leader who can intervene on his special stage if necessary. A very important rule is that a 10-metre zone is in force everywhere. One must stand at least 10 metres away from the road to watch. On road changes and turns, this can be an even larger (prohibited) zone for safety reasons. For the proper and safe running of the race, it is important to respect this at all times.

Besides the special stages - at speed on a closed course during the rally day - there are also so-called liaison routes. This is when competitors drive on non-closed roads to a next trial or to the service.