Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

USA
Tom and Takamoto
Prime
Special feature

Motorsport.com gets to grips as a WRC co-driver

The majority of headlines may focus on the exploits of drivers in the World Rally Championship, but the challenges facing their co-drivers is no less demanding. We got in the passenger seat with Toyota Gazoo Racing to find out just what it takes to succeed

"It's not something you can just jump in and do, which I think you will find out shortly." Those are the words relayed by Toyota World Rally Championship co-driver Aaron Johnston as Motorsport.com dons a racesuit, grabs a pace note book and prepares to jump into his seat to attempt one of motorsport's toughest jobs: being a WRC co-driver.

This is made abundantly clear six minutes and several dubious pace note calls later as a stunned journalist clambers out of Takamoto Katsuta's Toyota GR Yaris Rally1, following an eye-opening blast through one of Finland's famously fast forest gravel roads. Calling pace notes in a top-level WRC car is without question a skill that few in this world possess, and an art form that takes years of dedication to perfect.

Previous article Solberg to leave Hyundai at the end of 2022 WRC season
Next article M-Sport announces Breen co-driver replacement after Nagle retirement

More from Tom Howard

WRC and Dakar winner Kenjiro Shinozuka dies aged 75

WRC and Dakar winner Kenjiro Shinozuka dies aged 75

WRC WRC
WRC and Dakar winner Kenjiro Shinozuka dies aged 75 WRC and Dakar winner Kenjiro Shinozuka dies aged 75
Fourmaux: Adjusting to hybrid-less WRC cars will be a “challenge”

Fourmaux: Adjusting to hybrid-less WRC cars will be a “challenge”

WRC WRC
Fourmaux: Adjusting to hybrid-less WRC cars will be a “challenge” Fourmaux: Adjusting to hybrid-less WRC cars will be a “challenge”
Neuville clarifies WRC future amid anger over FIA technical reforms

Neuville clarifies WRC future amid anger over FIA technical reforms

WRC WRC
Neuville clarifies WRC future amid anger over FIA technical reforms Neuville clarifies WRC future amid anger over FIA technical reforms
Toyota: More details needed for WRC Rally2 upgrade kit decision

Toyota: More details needed for WRC Rally2 upgrade kit decision

WRC WRC
Rally Kenya
Toyota: More details needed for WRC Rally2 upgrade kit decision Toyota: More details needed for WRC Rally2 upgrade kit decision
The Rally1 inspiration behind the WRC’s latest customer weapon

The Rally1 inspiration behind the WRC’s latest customer weapon

WRC WRC
The Rally1 inspiration behind the WRC’s latest customer weapon The Rally1 inspiration behind the WRC’s latest customer weapon
The other Solberg making waves behind the scenes in the WRC

The other Solberg making waves behind the scenes in the WRC

WRC WRC
The other Solberg making waves behind the scenes in the WRC The other Solberg making waves behind the scenes in the WRC
 Canary Islands to host WRC in 2025 in new two-year deal

Canary Islands to host WRC in 2025 in new two-year deal

WRC WRC
Canary Islands to host WRC in 2025 in new two-year deal Canary Islands to host WRC in 2025 in new two-year deal
How a new 'old' challenge is capturing the spirit of British rallying lore

How a new 'old' challenge is capturing the spirit of British rallying lore

Prime
Prime
NTNL National
How a new 'old' challenge is capturing the spirit of British rallying lore How a new 'old' challenge is capturing the spirit of British rallying lore

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

USA