The History of Rallying

Explore more about the history of the Rally, the motor racing competition considered to be the most dangerous globally

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Rallying, also known as rallying, is a form of motor racing in which drivers and their vehicles compete in a series of races on closed and public roads.

The sport's origins date back to the early 20th century in France, initially conceived as a form of street racing. The main objective is to travel the route as quickly as possible, combining speed and precision.

The first competition took place in Monte Carlo in 1911, quickly gaining popularity throughout Europe. Initially centred on speed, rallies consisted of races on public roads open to traffic.

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Over time, the competition evolved, introducing special races on closed roads built exclusively for the event.

These special stages demanded not only speed, but also skill and precision from the drivers.

Today, this competition is a global motor sport, with championships held on several continents.

The intensity of the competition is evident, with teams and drivers using advanced technology to improve their vehicles and optimise performance. Rallying continues to grow in popularity, with millions of fans around the world enthusiastically following the competitions.

Read on to find out more about this competition and discover some interesting facts about the sport!

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Most used rally cars

The decision on which vehicle to use is a personalised choice made by each driver and team, and is influenced by factors such as budget, specific vehicle performance and availability on the market.

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This selection is crucial, as each competitor is looking for a car that aligns with their individual skills and racing style, in order to achieve the best possible performance in the various conditions encountered during competitions.

The cars most often used in competitions are carefully selected, taking into account a synergy of power, manoeuvrability and reliability. Among the most prominent models in this scenario are:

Subaru Impreza WRX

This car is widely recognised for its reliability and durability and is powered by a high-powered boxer engine, making it a popular choice among competitors.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

Combining power and stability in a remarkable way, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has won the favour of many drivers in competitions.

Ford Focus RS

With a strong presence in competitions, the Ford Focus RS is praised for its agility and power, providing outstanding performance in a variety of racing conditions.

Peugeot 205 T16

This car stands out for its precision and stability, as well as its impressive performance in rally competitions, making it an established choice for many competitors.

Citroen DS3

Recognised for its lightweight body and powerful engine, the Citroen DS3 is a popular choice among rally drivers, offering a unique combination of performance and driveability.

In addition to these models, a variety of other vehicles are used in the competitions, including the Volkswagen Golf GTI, the Hyundai i20 and the Skoda Fabia.

The best drivers

Rallying is an intense racing competition that requires skill, concentration and courage on the part of the drivers. Over the years, various participants have distinguished themselves, earning worldwide renown for their skills on the track. Below we present some of the most outstanding rally drivers of all time:

Sébastien Loeb: Recognised for winning nine consecutive World Rally Championship titles, Loeb is widely acclaimed as one of the most outstanding drivers in the history of the competition.

Tommi Mäkinen: This Finnish driver achieved the remarkable feat of four consecutive World Rally Championship titles during the 1990s.

Juha Kankkunen: Another outstanding Finnish driver, Kankkunen won four World Rally Championship titles during his career, establishing himself as one of the sport's most successful competitors.

Marcus Grönholm: This Finnish driver has won two World Rally Championship titles and is recognised for his ability to tackle adverse conditions on the track.

Carlos Sainz: A renowned Spanish driver, Sainz has won two World Rally Championship titles and is widely regarded as one of the greatest in the history of the competition.

In addition to those mentioned, other drivers have also stood out over the years, including Richard Burns, Colin McRae, Stig Blomqvist and Mikko Hirvonen.

Each driver has made a unique contribution to the richness and diversity of the rally, presenting unique personalities and styles that enrich the competition landscape.

The most dangerous routes

As an intense racing competition, the sport poses considerable risks for both the drivers and the teams involved.

Some rally races are notoriously more dangerous than others due to a number of factors, including adverse weather conditions, rough terrain and narrow, winding roads.

Below are some of the races that have become famous for their intrinsically dangerous nature:

Dakar Rally: This long-distance competition crosses several South American countries and is recognised for its extreme difficulty and inherent dangers.

Monte Carlo Rally: With its adverse weather conditions and winding roads, this rally is considered one of the most dangerous races in Europe.

San Remo Rally: Characterised by narrow, winding roads, this event is known for its challenge and the risks involved.

Acropolis Rally: With its rugged terrain and winding roads, this rally stands out as one of the most difficult and dangerous competitions in Greece.

Safari Rally: With challenging roads and a rugged landscape, this competition in Africa is considered one of the most dangerous in the world.

Despite the inherent dangers, rally drivers are known for their determination and courage, persisting in competing in dangerous races around the world. However, it is imperative to emphasise that the safety of drivers, crews and spectators is always a top priority, and strict safety measures are implemented at all rally races. rally.

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