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| Copyright © STI |
When the Impreza WRC2006 pulls into the Subaru World Rally Team service area on events, Subaru technicians are always ready to start work the instant the engine stops. In just half an hour, the team can change a gearbox, adjust spring settings, change the tyres and repair any bodywork damage. To do so many modifications in such a short space of time requires the crew to work together to a single detailed plan. As the chief mechanic for the team, Chris Wattam is responsible for making sure this plan is carried out and the cars leave service on time.
"The work starts even before the cars arrive in service," Chris explained. "First I liaise with the engineers to find out any issues we've had in the stages. Then I work together with the number one technicians to plan how we'll make the necessary changes to the car in the time. After that I'll put together a check-list to ensure we've covered everything, including making sure the nuts and bolts are tight and the car is clean and presentable for the next loop of stages."
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| Copyright © STI |
It is rare however that Chris takes an active part in the service. Although his yellow armband indicates to scrutineers that he is one of the technicians permitted to work on the car, Chris monitors the technicians during a 30 minute halt. "I leave the number ones to run the service and the technicians to do the checks and changes. I'm another pair of eyes to make sure that the stop is going according to the original plan. I do help though if the number one is on a different corner of the car and a technician needs a part quickly or some advice."
The Subaru World Rally Team has developed a unique way of helping Chris and the number ones work in service; they all wear a radio with an earpiece and microphone. The engineers, parts coordinator and engine engineer all have one too. Chris says the radio helps the service process considerably, "The radios mean we can communicate even if we are on opposite sides of the car and there's a lot of background noise. There are only three channels. Petter's crew will listen and talk on channel one, Chris Atkinson's crew on channel two with channel three for Stéphane Sarrazin's crew when he is on events. I listen to all three to make sure I am fully aware of what is happening on all the cars all the time and can help if necessary."
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2006
2006