The Subaru Impreza WRC2004 is fitted with a semi-automatic six-speed gearbox that represents the latest in rally technology. As Subaru Team Principal David Lapworth explains, gearboxes have evolved considerably since 1993 when the Impreza made its WRC debut:

"Ten years ago, F1 and World Rally cars used a gearbox known as a 'dog box' that was based on a non-synchromesh, manual-change transmission with lightweight spur gears. In contrast to a typical road car gearbox, which is designed for ease of use and smooth operation, the emphasis with the dog box was on minimum power loss and minimum weight, but they required a considerable degree of driver skill to be used effectively"

"The semi-automatic gearbox was designed to combine the mechanical benefits of a lightweight racing gearbox with an electronic / hydraulic control system to make shifting simpler and more effective. The on-board computer systems combine data from the engine, transmission and gear lever to control the throttle, clutch and gearshift during each change. The driver stays on the throttle during the shift and merely pulls the lever to go up a gear or pushes it to go down, the clutch pedal is not needed except for pulling away from rest"

"By making the unit electronically controlled, we can ensure the driver makes the perfect shift, time after time. The system eliminates driver error during gearshifts, which also extends the life of the gearbox and engine. As a result the semi-automatic gearbox is lightweight with a very fast, smooth gearshift"

Shift time for a typical road car gearbox:0.5 -1.0 secs
Shift time for a typical manual racing gearbox:0.1 - 0.2 secs
Shift time for a Subaru Impreza WRC2004 gearbox:Less than 0.05 secs

After a comparatively cool Leg one, drivers had to cope with higher temperatures on Leg two of Rally Turkey. Here are some facts concerning the heat and the way the Subaru team helps Petter and Mikko keep their cool:

At 9am the air temperature in service was 30ºC and by 3pm it had reached 39ºC. Due to the altitude, the air temperature on the stages was lower, but inside the cars it reached 35ºC

Between 0730hrs and 1930hrs Petter and Mikko drunk approximately 12 litres of fluid to replace that lost through sweating. The Subaru team doctor, Ignacio Muro, and trainer John Mills of the Human Performance department monitored hydration levels regularly and prepared special drinks to maintain a healthy electrolyte balance

Petter, Phil, Mikko and Jarmo all wore the new Alpinestars lightweight two-layer overalls that were introduced for the Acropolis Rally earlier this month. Showers were available at the service area, together with fresh race-suits chilled in a freezer for maximum refreshment!

To keep the cockpit temperatures down, and in addition to the fresh air fans under the dashboard, roof scoops have been fitted to direct streams of air down to the driver and co-driver. Further heat reducing measures on the cars for Turkey include light reflective glass and reflective white panels on the roof

As part of their acclimatisation training, Mikko trained at home in Finland wearing several layers of clothing while Petter has endured a 40 minute sauna every day for the last two weeks. On the recce, Petter and Mikko both wore warm clothing and switched off their cars' air conditioning systems to help them get used to the conditions