A service period that takes place away from the service park at an outside location. Only parts carried in the rally car itself can be changed.

  The navigator in the passenger seat who gives a running commentary through an intercom to the driver about directional changes and road conditions ahead.

The place where cars must stop to get an official passing time recorded by rally officials.

  WRC cars have spoilers, splitters and other shaped panels on the bodywork to direct cool air around the engine, gearbox and brakes and help keep the car firmly on the road – or flying level – at high speed.

  Anti-Lag System, which keeps a car’s turbocharger spinning to ensure there is always turbo boost.

  Usually held on a Thursday evening when crews drive onto a podium, greet the fans and give a short interview before making way for the next car. Ceremonial starts often take place against spectacular backdrops or in the centre of the host city.

An essential part of a rally car’s suspension. Each car has four – one connected to each wheel hub. Dampers absorb bumps in the road and keep the tyres in contact with the surface as often as possible.

  Rally car dampers are adjustable to provide different characteristics. At the simplest level they can be soft or hard, but other factors like rebound or ride-height can also be altered. Drivers are able to adjust damper settings between stages. The degree of change is usually measured in ‘clicks’ of the adjuster wheel.

The crew sits inside a super-strong protective cell surrounded by a roll cage. They strap themselves in with six-point wide-strap safety belts, similar to those used in military fighter planes. The car also features side-impact protection and has an automatic fire extinguisher system and the crew wear flameproof overalls and underwear, safety helme [..]

The part of the transmission which transfers drive from the front or rear differential to the wheel. Each four-wheel drive rally car has four.