Recce

Recce (short for reconnaissance) is the pre-race activity in rally motorsport where drivers and co-drivers drive through the competition route at restricted speeds to study the course and create detailed notes before the actual event begins.

In rallying, unlike circuit racing where drivers can learn the track through multiple practice laps, competitors often face stages they've never driven at racing speed. This is where recce becomes essential. Think of it as a careful study session before a big exam—drivers need to memorize every corner, bump, and potential danger on roads that might stretch for hundreds of kilometers through forests, mountains, or deserts.

The main purpose of reconnaissance is to create pace notes. These are detailed instructions that the co-driver reads aloud during the race, telling the driver what's coming next—whether it's a sharp left turn, a jump, or a dangerous drop-off. Without these notes, drivers would be guessing what lies ahead at speeds often exceeding 160 km/h on narrow, twisting roads.

During recce, teams must follow strict rules. They drive at limited speeds, typically between 30 and 90 km/h, using ordinary road cars rather than their competition vehicles. This keeps things fair for all competitors. If teams break the speed limit during reconnaissance, they face penalties like fines or time additions to their final results.

Most rallies allow teams to drive each stage twice during recce. On the first pass, the driver and co-driver work together to create their initial pace notes, with the co-driver writing down descriptions of every turn and hazard. On the second pass, they refine these notes, making sure everything is accurate and clear. Some teams also use cameras and trip meters to help them remember specific sections and measure exact distances.

The type of recce varies by event. Open recce allows teams to drive the stages multiple times within a scheduled window. Two-pass recce limits them to exactly two runs per stage. One-pass recce is even more restrictive, allowing only a single reconnaissance run. Some events use parade-style recce, where all cars follow each other in a convoy, which can be challenging due to dust and limited visibility.

Reconnaissance isn't just about memorizing the route. Drivers identify the fastest racing line through corners, note changes in road surface from tarmac to gravel, and spot hidden dangers like ditches or narrow bridges. They also assess how conditions might change during the rally—a muddy section in the morning might become rutted and treacherous by afternoon.

The importance of good recce cannot be overstated in rallying. It's the difference between driving confidently at maximum speed and hesitating at every corner. Accurate pace notes allow drivers to commit fully to their speed, trusting their co-driver's calls about what's ahead. This preparation also improves safety, as crews enter the rally knowing where the most dangerous sections are located. The recce process showcases the unique teamwork between driver and co-driver that makes rallying special among motorsports.