2007
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Letter from SWRT

The logistics of remote service

14 November 2007
Copyright © STI 
During a rally weekend, the three Impreza WRC2007s are regularly serviced in the Subaru World Rally Team's service area. Normally morning, afternoon and end of the day, there are instances where, due to the nature and length of the route, extra service intervals are added mid-morning or afternoon. Where it is unfeasible to return to the service park, the crew must travel out to meet the drivers for a remote service.

On a quarter of the 16 rallies in the 2007 FIA World Rally Championship calendar, the crew travelled from the service park to meet the cars in a designated area between stages to conduct a 15 minute remote service. This crew consists of six technicians per Impreza WRC2007, a data engineer and the team doctor.

Remote services often spell a great deal of time travelling for the crew - five to six hours a day is not uncommon. Following the morning's service, the three remote service vans are loaded with all the tools and equipment needed to undertake any job that can be completed within the quarter hour service interval and depart the service park. Within this time, the team are able to change a gearbox or an entire corner, so need to take a lot of kit.

Primarily serving as a remote refuel and tyre change, for each car the technicians transport two jacks, four service stands, a yellow tarpaulin on which to work, two sets of spare wheels and tyres, their usual service toolboxes, and computer equipment to download data from the Imprezas.

After packing the three vans, one for each Impreza WRC2007, the crew depart for the remote service locations, which can be 100km away. Upon arrival, the crew setup the team's remote service area in their allocated bays, in what can range from industrial areas to car parks or even a closed-off public road, as was the case in Finland.

Copyright © STI 
As per regular services, a maximum of six technicians are permitted to work on each car at any one time, each denoted by an orange arm band. Wheels and tyres will be changed, fluid levels checked and nut and bolt checks conducted. When the service has been completed, the drivers take their Imprezas to a remote refuel area, as under FIA regulations fuel must be handled away from a service area.

The data downloaded from the Imprezas is discussed with the data engineers back in the service park via mobile phone. As would happen when the cars are in the service area, data traces are analysed to decide on any necessary changes to either setup or drivetrain.

After the cars have left the service to continue the loop of stages, the crew will repack the service vans and return to the service park. Depending on the distance, they will usually arrive in the team's service area in time to unload and go straight into the 30 minute lunchtime service.

Their lunch will be eaten on the move, en route to the service park. When they have completed the midday 30 minute service, the team will start the process again, packing up and departing in order to reach the afternoon's remote service in time.