Generally, the rounds listed on the calendar published by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) refer specifically to the competition itself, which runs from Friday to Sunday; however, in reality, certain key aspects take place beforehand, meaning the whole event spans exactly eight days.
Sunday & Monday Test
Put simply, these are test sessions on Sunday and Monday, but they are reserved for Rally2 Group cars; although they are not included in the rally programme, they take place on stages not used during the event – not even the shakedown. Rally1 cars are not permitted to take part in these tests.
Sunday is also the day for administrative checks, when competitors must submit the required documentation as set out in the Supplementary Regulations. You can read the Supplementary Regulations for our event by clicking here.
Tuesday and Wednesday: Reconnaissance and Technical Scrutineering
Reconnaissance of the stages, which must be carried out in road-going cars with only the modifications specified by the regulations, is a key step as the crews, now in possession of the road book, draw up their respective pace notes at which they will tackle every kilometre and bend of the WRC ueno Rally del Paraguay. Reconnaissance is divided into two days, specifically Tuesday and Wednesday, at times set out in the schedule.
Technical scrutineering is another key step before the rally, as it ensures that the entered cars comply with the technical regulations for their respective classes (and consequently the WRC sporting regulations); first and foremost, the P1 cars (from Group Rally1) are scrutineered at a set time. Subsequently, the other crews are put through the scrutineering process.
Thursday: Shakedown and Ceremonial Start
If we were to give a meaning to the term, we would define it literally just like that, and that makes perfect sense, as it is a final test of the set-up before tackling the rally. Most rallies – including ours – hold this activity on Thursday, and there are few exceptions where it is brought forward to the previous day.
In any case, the shakedown usually takes place during the day, as, in the afternoon, the cars are readied for the ceremonial start – the event that brings competitors into contact with the fans at the heart of the rally. In rare cases, even when there is a ceremonial start, special stages and/or super special stages are often held.
The rest, following the ceremonial start, is all familiar territory: from Friday 28 to 30 August, the three competitive stages of the WRC ueno Rally del Paraguay will take place. Don’t miss a single detail of the red dirt rally on our website and official channels.
