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How to Race on Gravel
Driver Andreas Mikkelsen explains the specifics of competing on gravel stages.
World Rally Championship rounds are contested primarily on two types of surface: asphalt and gravel. Driver Andreas Mikkelsen outlines the specific characteristics of each. On gravel, it is necessary to change your driving style. This is partly down to the tyres that teams use on this surface. "They have a pronounced tread pattern that bites into the ground," he says. A key element is driving in a slide, where you need to set the car up for the fastest possible exit before you even reach the corner.
"You set the angle of the car on the way in, and it should match the angle you want on the way out," the driver explains. Because the front wheels are turned differently than on asphalt and the car is travelling in a controlled slide, the driver can get on the throttle earlier on the way out of a corner than if he were taking a clean line through it. "The tyres bite in the direction you want to go," adds A. Mikkelsen. On gravel, the driver must also search for the right racing line.
The road and the individual tracks left in it by the cars ahead need to be read carefully. "You have to watch the other lines too, where the tyres might find better grip," he explains. Within the chosen line, it is the front wheels above all that must stay on track. Tyre life is another consideration. "Especially on the longer stages we monitor wear closely so that we have the best possible grip throughout," the champion explains. "Sometimes you don't need to be the fastest, but you do need to look after your tyres. That means above all not running too sideways, especially at high speeds or under braking," he adds, noting that an overly flamboyant style destroys the rubber. Drivers therefore try to brake with the car as straight as possible even on gravel, and only then flick it into a slide.
Watch the video featuring a gravel road driving demonstration.
Limited-Run Fabia in the Hands of a Champion
As a reminder of 125 years of motorsport at the Mladá Boleslav carmaker, the exclusive Fabia Motorsport Edition has been created in a run of just 125 units.
Two-time world champion in the WRC2 category, Andreas Mikkelsen, took the wheel of one of them at the Sosnová circuit and shared his impressions. The Norwegian driver has extensive experience with the Fabia RS Rally2 competition car, which the limited-run production hatchback references through its livery. A lowered chassis, 18-inch wheels and red brake callipers add to its sporting spirit, while the interior features sports seats. "They ensure a perfect position behind the wheel," says A. Mikkelsen.
The steering wheel, incidentally, is adorned with the Škoda Motorsport 125 emblem. Cars from the limited series also carry unique numbering, indicated by a plaque on the dashboard. Above all, though, it is about the driving experience.
"Under the bonnet there is a fantastic 1.5 TSI evo2 engine with almost 180 horsepower and a superb character at higher revs. When you lift off the throttle, the car's slight oversteer draws it beautifully into the corner, which is great fun. Anyone who loves driving will fall in love with this," says an enthusiastic A. Mikkelsen, who was also won over, incidentally, by the classic mechanical handbrake.
See how Motorsport Edition put the Fabia to the test.
