Andreas Mikkelsen’s wish to see safety note crews returned for WRC2 competitors was granted in December 2023. Several drivers have been pushing for the change on safety grounds.
Conditions can change dramatically between drivers doing the recee and even between loops. A driver’s safety crew passes through the stage before the start of the stage, updating the pace notes, and noting any areas that have changed due to mud, ice, water, gravel or the like that were not there earlier.
Mikkleson has been vocal on the matter, stating “I really hope the FIA does something for Rally2 crews,” he said. “We are also pushing really hard on the stages and we could do with knowing where is the mud. Rally2 cars are also going over 200kp/h (120mph) and I don’t think a Rally1 driver’s life is worth more…
“Not having the gravel crew is dangerous.”
