Co-driver
A co-driver is the navigator who sits in the passenger seat of a rally car and reads pace notes to guide the driver through the course at maximum speed.
In rally racing, drivers race against the clock on closed roads they often haven't driven before at full speed. Unlike circuit racing where drivers can learn the track through practice laps, rally drivers need someone to tell them what's coming next. That's where the co-driver comes in. Think of them as a highly skilled navigator whose job is to keep the driver informed about every turn, crest, and hazard on the road ahead.
The co-driver's main tool is a set of pace notes—detailed descriptions of the rally route written in a special shorthand. These notes describe each corner's severity, using numbers or terms like "flat" for corners that can be taken at full speed, or "hairpin left" for tight turns. Before the rally, the co-driver and driver work together during reconnaissance runs to create or refine these notes, ensuring they match the driver's style and the car's capabilities.
During the race, the co-driver reads these pace notes aloud, usually several corners ahead of where the car currently is. This advance warning allows the driver to prepare for what's coming without lifting their eyes from the road. The two communicate through radio headsets because rally cars are extremely loud inside. The rhythm and tone of the co-driver's voice helps the driver understand when to push harder or exercise caution.
Beyond navigation, co-drivers handle crucial time management duties. Rally events run on strict schedules with specific check-in times between stages. The co-driver calculates transit speeds, manages the team's schedule, and ensures they don't arrive too early or late, which would result in penalties. They also handle administrative tasks like collecting credentials and route books from rally officials.
The navigator role extends to being the driver's extra set of eyes and ears. They monitor the road conditions, watch for warning flags from marshals, and alert the driver to any incidents ahead. Some co-drivers even help with basic car maintenance during road sections, such as changing tires or making minor repairs.
The relationship between driver and co-driver requires absolute trust. A driver traveling at high speed on unfamiliar roads must have complete confidence in their navigator's calls. Famous partnerships like Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena, who won nine World Rally Championships together, demonstrate how crucial this bond is to success. Other legendary co-drivers include Nicky Grist, Julien Ingrassia, and Luis Moya.
While the driver gets most of the glory, experienced rally teams know the co-driver is equally important to winning. Without accurate pace notes and calm, precise communication, even the most talented driver cannot extract maximum performance from their car on a rally stage.