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Drivers face tough physical challenge to survive the rigours of the rally
Did you know that when a rally driver brakes his vehicle he applies an average force of 100kg through one leg?
- By K.R. Nayar, Senior Reporter
- Published: 23:25 August 4, 2008
- Finland's Ford Focus driver Mikko Hirvonen in action in Finland. Rally drivers have to be in top physical condition to take part in the gruelling events.
- Image Credit: AP
Jyvaskyla, Finland: Did you know that when a rally driver brakes his vehicle he applies an average force of 100kg through one leg?
"A lot of effort has to be put in by rally drivers and to be successful. He has to keep himself absolutely fit through weight-training and good work in the gymnasium," remarked Barry Johnson, the world renowned fitness trainer of rally drivers, to Gulf News.
"A driver may apply force to even as high as 150kg and over the course of the rally the driver may have to do it close to 1,100 to 1,800 times. He has to remain supple too because when he brakes he can be pulled forward out of his seat with a force of 150kg," he added.
"To ensure that he does not get a pull and his legs remain strong he has to work with weights and also do squats. He should also take care of his neck and back. For this light weight- training is a must," said Johnson, who helps out drivers during short breaks to loosen up.
"With power steering, the effort required to move the steering wheel is dependent on the speed of the vehicle. At slow speed he may require force equivalent to 10 to 15kg and without power steering this effort goes to 40 to 50kg," he revealed.
"Similarly when taking turns the drivers will experience a force of up to 125kg pushing him into the side of his seat and when in full throttle drivers will be pushed back into their seats with a force of up to 125kg," he said.
Johnson also revealed that heat in the cockpit can get as high as 50 degree centigrade and in tough events such as Acropolis and Cyprus the drivers will still have to wear full overall and fireproof protective clothing and gloves.
"In Finland, where the temperature is moderate on a typical day, one should drink five to six litres. In places like Jordan where it is hot one should drink upto 10 litres but in cold places like Sweden he may need to take only up to four litres."
Honour: Capital award for Matti
The 'Abu Dhabi Spirit of the Rally' award was today presented to local star Matti Rantanen, a privately entered competitor who defied the odds to achieve seventh in Rally Finland – a remarkable feat for one of the World Rally Championship's fastest and most specialised events.
The award recognises those demonstrating the same values key to the capital of the United Arab Emirates: respect, innovation, integrity and teamwork. It also acknowledges a positive contribution to the WRC by those involved in the sport.
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