Pacenotes

Pacenotes are detailed written instructions used by rally co-drivers to navigate drivers through rally stages, describing upcoming road conditions and hazards.

These specialized notes use a shorthand system of numbers, directions, and descriptive terms to communicate critical information about turns, jumps, crests, and other road features. For example, "100 R4" might mean "travel 100 meters to a medium-tight right turn."

During reconnaissance runs before the rally, teams create personalized pacenotes that match their driving style. When racing, the co-driver reads these notes aloud with precise timing, allowing the driver to anticipate unseen hazards and maintain higher speeds with confidence through unfamiliar terrain.