The FIA World Rally Championship is an international competition for drivers, co-drivers and manufacturers. Crews tackle timed special stages on roads closed for competition, with rallies taking place across different surfaces and landscapes. Each event tests outright speed alongside preparation, concentration and the ability to adapt to changing conditions.
A rally unfolds over a sequence of stages, often spread across several days. Crews start at intervals, and their stage times contribute to the overall rally result. Road sections connect the competitive stages, while scheduled service periods give teams opportunities to work on the cars.
A stage winner is not necessarily the rally leader, because the overall classification depends on accumulated time and penalties. Roads may also be used more than once, with conditions changing between passes. Following the itinerary and the gaps after each stage helps show how the competition is developing.