F1 is good, don’t get me wrong. However, there is so much more to motorsports than single seater racing. For example, Rally.
It is intense, physically demanding and very cool to watch. Whilst F1dominates the headlines, rally drivers are out here racing on dirt, ice and tarmac – often with no grip, run-off or even second chances. Objectively, rally is beyond challenging. Yes, even more so than the high-speed turns in Formula 1.
A Comparison
These forms of motorsport differ – whether it’s the maximum speed or the terrain.
The locations in F1 are almost always smooth tarmac, with little to no obstacles or bumps. Apart from the occasional debris or animal, it’s not a bumpy ride. However, Rally is unpredictable and is on almost any surface from ice to dirt. Conditions are varied, too. Rally takes place in any conditions. You name it, rally drivers face it.
The speed is also different. F1 is faster than rally, but we must keep in mind that the tracks are not similar. Rally is open and on loose surfaces, but F1 is closed off and designed to be safe. There is heavy debate about which speed is more dangerous.
Driving style is also a key comparison to make. Rally is erratic and takes concentration whilst listening to their co-driver’s instructions. F1 is again smooth, and the turns can be sharp, but no where near as harsh as rally.
First Hand Opinions
Many F1 drivers have tried rallying after driving for years in Formula 1. Sebastian Vettel described rallying as “mad” after he first decided to give it a try, and Kimi Räikkönen admitted that it was much harder than he ever expected it to be.
Ken Block, who came from gymkhana racing, said that rally was the most demanding motorsport he had ever tried.
The Bottom Line
So, is it harder than F1? It depends on how you define hard.
Both have their difficulties and dangers. F1 has intense g-forces and killer high speeds, but rally has bumpy terrain, cars in the air, and intense physical demands.
Perhaps the real answer is this: they are both hard but in very different ways from each other, so they aren’t comparable. The differences are what make motorsports special.
What do you think? Is Rally or F1 harder? Share your thoughts here!