Zero Cars

Zero cars are specially designated vehicles that drive through a rally stage course before the actual competition begins, primarily to check for safety hazards, warn spectators that racing is about to start, and ensure the route is ready for competitors.

In rally racing, stages take place on public roads that are temporarily closed for competition. Unlike circuit racing where the track is fixed and controlled, rally stages can change between inspections and the actual event. This is where zero cars become essential. They act as the final safety check before rally cars begin their timed runs at high speeds.

Modern rallies typically use multiple zero cars, numbered 000, 00, and 0. Each car runs the stage in sequence at different speeds. The 000 car goes slowest, carefully examining the course for major issues. The 00 car runs at a moderate pace, and the 0 car drives closest to actual rally speed. This system allows organizers to catch different types of problems—from large obstacles that might block the road to subtle issues that only appear at racing speeds.

The crews driving these opening cars are usually experienced retired rally drivers who understand what to look for. They wear full safety equipment including helmets and racing suits, just like competitors. As they drive, they communicate via radio with rally control, reporting anything unusual like spectators standing in dangerous positions, fallen trees, animals on the road, or changes in surface conditions.

Zero cars also serve an important warning function for spectators. When fans positioned along the stage see these vehicles pass, they know the competition is about to begin and can prepare accordingly. This helps maintain crowd safety and ensures everyone is alert and in proper viewing positions.

The vehicles used as zero cars vary widely. Some rallies use ordinary sports cars, while others employ older competition cars that are no longer eligible to race. Occasionally, manufacturers use zero car duties to test new models before they're officially approved for competition. For example, the 2010 Rally Japan used a Subaru Impreza WRX STI as its zero car.

It's important not to confuse zero cars with other pre-stage vehicles like organization cars or FIA inspection cars, which also run the course beforehand but at much slower speeds and serve different administrative purposes.

The zero car system represents rallying's unique approach to safety, balancing the sport's exciting use of public roads with the responsibility to protect both competitors and spectators from preventable dangers.