Ever heard of a shakedown? A split time? Or listened to a co-driver giving pace notes and thought they were casting a spell?
Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered.
With this rally dictionary, you'll watch and comment on the Vodafone Rally de Portugal 2025 like a true expert.
Shakedown
Quick definition: Test before the battle.
Before the real competition kicks off, drivers do a short special stage to test their cars and make sure everything’s working. It’s the warm-up of champions!
Recce
Quick definition: Pre-rally reconnaissance.
Before the rally starts, drivers and co-drivers drive through the stages in regular cars to take detailed notes. It’s time to observe, study and prepare the pace notes. It’s not timed, but it’s where time is won or lost.
Split Time
Quick definition: The time between here and there.
These are the partial times a driver sets at various points in a stage. They help show who’s flying... and who’s falling behind.
Power Stage
Quick definition: One last chance to shine.
It’s the final stage of the rally, where the five fastest drivers earn extra points. Everything’s at stake — it’s the perfect moment to salvage the weekend or snatch victory at the last second!
Jump Start
Quick definition: You jumped the lights!
If a driver starts before the green light, they’re penalised. Rule number one: keep your cool!
Pace Notes
Quick definition: The co-driver’s bible.
These are the notes a co-driver reads out loud to describe the road in real time: curves, jumps, surface changes... It’s like racing blindfolded with a human GPS beside you.
Racing Line
Quick definition: The magic line.
This is the ideal path through a corner to maintain maximum speed. The best drivers glide along it like dancers — every millimetre matters.
Oversteer & Understeer
Quick definition: Front or rear — who gave up first?
• Oversteer: the rear of the car slides out more than expected.
• Understeer: the car refuses to turn as much as it should — the front pushes wide.
Service Park
Quick definition: The rally pit stop.
This is where the teams set up their base and the cars get all the love they need. Mechanics work miracles here: changing tyres, repairing damage, adjusting setups — all with the clock ticking!
Time Control
Quick definition: The clock doesn’t forgive.
These are the checkpoints where cars must arrive exactly on time. Too early? Penalty. Too late? Also a penalty. Timing is everything.
Special Stage
Quick definition: The main event.
These are the timed stages where the rally is won and lost. Each one has its own character — technical, fast, narrow, full of jumps... it’s where legends are made.
DNF (Did Not Finish)
Quick definition: Game over.
When a driver doesn’t finish a stage — it could be due to an accident, a breakdown… or just plain bad luck.
You’re Fluent in Rally!
Now that you’ve mastered the essential WRC terms, you’re ready to follow every rally with a new level of insight.
And with Vodafone Rally de Portugal 2025 just around the corner, everything is going to make a lot more sense.