codrivers

Codrivers, in the context of rally sport, are the navigators who ride alongside the driver to guide them through stages using pace notes and timing. Their primary role is to provide precise, timely information about the upcoming road ahead, enabling the driver to maintain speed while anticipating turns, hazards, and surface changes.

Pace notes are prepared during a reconnaissance run before a rally. The codriver and driver study the course and create a coded description of each section, indicating left or right bends, the severity of curves, crests, jumps, and surface conditions. During a stage, the codriver reads these notes to the driver in a rapid, concise cadence, often using a shared vocabulary or code system. The notes allow the driver to “see” the route ahead even when visibility is limited or the road is unfamiliar.

In addition to navigation, codrivers manage timekeeping, call out split times, and help the team implement strategy based on stage conditions. They maintain communication with the driver, the pace, and the team between stages, and may assist with safety duties if an incident occurs. Equipment commonly includes a pace note book or digital device, intercom systems, and standard rally safety gear. Training emphasizes memorization, clear communication under noise and pressure, and synchronization with the driver’s preferences.

Codrivers compete in varied events, from World Rally Championship rounds to national rallies and endurance formats. Notable figures in the field have become well known for their navigation skills and teamwork, with relationships between driver and codriver considered crucial to performance and safety.