Winter rallying: studs, snow and strategy
Winter rallies are among the most spectacular events on the calendar. Snow and ice create low-grip conditions where car control matters more than outright power, and where small mistakes grow quickly.
Studded tyres are the defining feature. Small metal spikes bite into packed snow and ice, and the number and length of studs are tightly regulated. A fresh set transforms a car, but the effect fades as studs wear down.
Reading the road matters more than ever. A shiny surface suggests ice, a dull one often means packed snow with more grip, and the edges of the road, where cars have not driven, may be much softer than the middle.
Cold also changes how a car behaves. Batteries lose capacity, fluids thicken and brakes can stick. Warm the car carefully before a stage, and carry spare gloves, a thermos and a shovel in the service vehicle.
Above all, dress for the weather. Crews spend long hours outside, and cold hands make poor decisions. A good jacket is as important as a good tyre.