This introduction is not intended to provide a complete course in co-driving - we have produced a DVD that covers this (click here to see the DVD). Rather, this guide is intended to cover some of the essential topics, together with a large number of "Co-driver Tips" and samples of paper work, check lists etc. We have to thank Andrew Bargery for compiling this guide. Andrew needs no introduction, being a very successful co-driver with Justin Dale in the works Peugeot on the British Rally Championship, and more recently with Marcus Dodd in the Hyundai WRC. Being a good co-driver is 95% experience (and, by all accounts, 5% insanity). While there is no substitute for actually competing on events, it will still take a long time before you become expert in all areas of being a co-driver. Therefore, if you are serious about your co-driving, you need to find other ways to gain experience. Talking to other co-drivers is obviously one of the best ways. Also, you can learn many of the skills by competing on local "12 car" events or marshalling, time-keeping or even just spectating on other rallies. A great way to learn is also to watch in-car video's, plus we have a section of video's that we are adding to all the time (click here). Although many of the rules and duties of a co-driver are clear-cut, a lot of the co-driver’s art is very personal and you may frequently find that different people will offer you conflicting advice. Sometimes you just have to try different things and find what works for you. Keep an open mind and remember that even the very best World Championship co-drivers (particularly the very best World Championship co-drivers) are always trying new ideas and learning new things. If you have advice that you think other co-drivers will find interesting please e-mail us here, don't forget you can subscribe to our Blog to be kept updated with any new videos.

What does the Co-Driver Do?
A good co-driver is expected to be all things to all people, at times. On a rally, the co-driver is responsible for:
• Understanding all the Rules and Regulations
• Navigating between the Special Stages
• Ensuring the Rally Car adheres to the correct time schedule
• Reading the Map or Pace-Notes to the driver on the Special Stages
In addition, in smaller teams without a separate co-ordinator, the co-driver will normally be responsible for organising the whole team, both before and during the event. More details on the duties the co-driver is normally expected to undertake is included in the "Co-Drivers Responsibilities" section.
It is important to realise that a rally is made up of both Special Stages (the competitive part) which are linked together with non-competitive Road Sections. The whole rally will follow a strict route and time schedule. While it is virtually impossible to get lost or make timing errors on the Special Stages, it is very easy for a co-driver to make these mistakes on the Road Sections. Even if a driver is quickest on all the Stages, a simple mistake by the co-driver can receive a heavy penalty and prevent the team from winning the event.

Rules and Regulations
All Rallies are governed by a number of different regulations:
• FIA Yearbook (International Events only)
• MSA Yearbook (National Events only)
• Championship Regulations (specific to each championship)
• Supplementary Regulations (specific to each event)
• Final Instructions and Amendments (specific to each event)
Often each set of regulations will be sub-divided into two categories:
• Technical Regulations – which define what modifications must or may be made to the competition car – either for performance or safety
• Sporting Regulations – which define how the scoring, penalties etc. will be applied and what rules on servicing, timing etc. will be applied.

The FIA and MSA Yearbooks are general regulations which cover all forms of motorsport. It is only necessary to understand those parts which apply to rallying (e.g. Sections E, K and Q of the MSA Yearbook).
You will receive an MSA Yearbook when you apply for your competition licence. If you want an FIA Yearbook you will have to by it separately (currently £48). Alternatively, all the information is available (free) from the FIA’s Website (www.fia.com). Normally the regulations for International events are very detailed and you will not need the FIA Yearbook.

Co-Drivers Responsibilities
Up to Six months Prior to an Event
Once you are happy that the event is suitable for you and the car, then:
• Submit the official entry form (supplied with the Regulations) together with labels, photographs if required, and payment!
• Complete the seeding on the form accurately, and keep your own copy
• Attached a publicity sheet to the form, if not supplied, provide your own
• Note the timetable for the event - start location, rally headquarters, etc.
• Book accommodation for the whole crew for both the recce and rally period, ideally at Rally HQ, or close by. Ensure your booking is accurate, e.g. right number of rooms for correct dates, as local accommodation will fill up very quickly. Confirm all bookings in writing, and keep a copy of the confirmation.
• Make a thorough study of the Supplementary Regulations as they will provide you will all the information you will need in the run up to the rally
• Make sure you are aware of the timing and penalty system to be used. If you have any queries, contact the organisers for clarification at the earliest opportunity. The penalties are set out clearly in the Regulations.

Within one Month of the Rally
Driver Briefing: Brief your driver on the details of the rally, including
• Number of stages
• Length of stages
• Type of surface you will be driving on. This is essential for ensuring you have the correct number and type of tyres.
Publicity: Start the publicity machine rolling. This is essential if you currently have a sponsor, or are seeking one. Send out regular pre-event press releases, with photos if possible, to all local and national newspapers, outlining achievements, etc.

Paperwork
The Final Instructions and any Bulletins are usually sent out by the organisers during this time, and it is at this stage that the co-driver responsibilities really come into effect.
• Ensure all paperwork received, is complete and correct, including acknowledgement of entry
• Organise rally car insurance if necessary
• Communicate any changes to the Supplementary Regulations to the whole team. These will be published by the Organisers in the Final Instructions.
• Prepare a Movements Schedule for the whole team.
• Prepare Service Schedule
• Prepare Recce Schedule (if appropriate)
• Collate all necessary documentation relevant to the car, yourselves, and the rally
• Check the entry list and note your start number for the rally.

Event Information
Along with the Final Instructions, you may also have received your Road Books & Service Books, or you may collect them at Signing On. Study these very carefully, page by page, highlighting important information (and checking for errors).
The Road Book will contain:
• Route cards showing locations and times for every control
• Distances between each control and the time allowed between each one
• Route maps defined by Tulip Diagrams, outlining the correct rally route
The Service Book will contain:
• Service area locations and diagrams
• The distance & time between each service area