Rally Vehicles are Getting too Hot to Handle

The FIA and teams have reacted to remedy the issue that surfaced during Rally Portugal in May due to elevated cockpit temperatures in the new-for-2022 hybrid vehicles.

Due to a significant change in vehicle design, the exhaust was moved from the centre of the cockpit to the right side of the cockpit, close to where the co-driver sits, making the interior of Rally1 vehicles significantly hotter than the previous generation WRC car.

As a result of rising temperatures, several drivers in Portugal have complained that the road conditions are hazardous.

The FIA reacted quickly to this and came up with a list of simple changes teams could make to their vehicles to assist solve the issue during Rally Sardinia last month, where ambient temperatures hit 40 degrees.

Even if the conditions were difficult for the crews, M-Sport team principal Millener thinks the FIA should wait before implementing a permanent fix that would be quite expensive for the teams.

To reflect heat away from the cabin, teams were allowed to modify roof vents, add ventilation holes, and install reflective film on windows and roofs. The usage of ceramic coatings around the firewall, engine bay, and exhausts was also encouraged.

It is believed that the rapid solutions in some instances caused cabin temperatures to plummet by about five degrees.

The idea of installing air conditioners in automobiles has been floated, but Millener believes that until it is made mandatory, it won’t offer the necessary answer.

Given Kenya’s fast open stages and the low anticipated ambient temperature of 25 degrees, WRC teams will continue to drive their modified vehicles and are less concerned about the cockpit heat issue heading into this weekend’s Safari Rally.