With the experienced Viinikka, the aim is to break down the essential gear of a co-driver and what needs to be considered when preparing for a rally. In the second part of the interview, we will dive into the secrets of pacenotes and their development.
Co-drivers have numerous ways to equip themselves, and there is no single correct method. However, we will now uncover what is essential and what is merely useful but not mandatory.
“The basic setup starts with a pacenote book, a pencil, and an eraser. Everything else comes down to personal preference.”
“I also use a highlighter in my book for sections where I need to read continuously. I underline those parts in the pacenotes and also highlight warnings. The bright colour stands out, so I can see well in advance that a critical section is coming up,” Viinikka explains.
Sounds simple. But let’s go deeper and figure out what makes a good pacenote book.
“I have mainly used THR books. The only real factor affecting the work is the gloss of the pages. I prefer THR books because they have grid lines, which help me write more precisely.”
A big part of a co-driver’s job happens during reconnaissance or in the evenings after recce days, as pacenotes are tidied up for better readability. The right kind of notebook can make this process easier.
“I like books with removable spiral bindings. I take out unnecessary pages from mine. It helps because I can rewrite only the necessary pages instead of redoing the whole book. For small corrections, I just use an eraser.”
A co-driver’s pencil is not just any mechanical pencil. Many co-drivers use leads up to two millimetres thick, and one manufacturer seems to be a clear favourite among them – Viinikka included.
“I like Staedtler pencils. Right now, I think I’m using a 1.2 mm lead. The thinnest I’ve tried is 0.7 mm, but it’s too sharp – it feels like it catches on the page.”
Traditional wooden pencils are still seen occasionally, but most co-drivers prefer mechanical pencils. When it comes to erasers, however, there’s a lot of variation.
There are different types of eraser pens, but more often than not, traditional options win out. The feel is important, and the right eraser depends on both the notebook and the pencil lead. Viinikka sticks to a classic school eraser.
“The eraser is probably my biggest thing. I prefer basic school erasers, the kind you can buy at Suomalainen Kirjakauppa (a bookshop). In WRC rallies, I sometimes go through one eraser per day. They are good erasers – many leave black marks or tear the paper.”
Now that we have the basics covered, let’s take a closer look at what’s inside Viinikka’s pencil case.
“I also carry glue sticks, spare leads, a ballpoint pen, and spare batteries for my watch and tyre pressure gauge. We use a digital tyre pressure gauge. Roope is so precise about tyre pressures that he won’t even let me check them myself. I don’t really know why – it’s just something he prefers to do, so I focus on other preparations instead.”
Why does a co-driver need glue?
“In WRC events and other international events, especially in Italy, it’s common to get new roadbook pages during the rally. Instead of rewriting everything, we just print a new page and glue it over the old one.”
Two watches
My wife’s handbag often seems endless, and for someone who usually carries only the essentials, an experienced co-driver’s pencil case feels just as bottomless.
“I also carry a 9V battery and a headlamp. The lamp has a detachable light unit, which I zip-tie to the roll cage as a backup light. The 9V battery is crucial because helmet intercom units often need battery changes.”
“I always have a multitool with me. In the Toyota (GR Yaris Rally2), this can be used to adjust the dampers, specifically the “rebound” settings. Also, the Toyota’s front bumper has a plastic section that easily starts dragging on the ground, especially in snow rallies. Between stages, we’ve used the serrated knife on a Leatherman to cut off pieces in under a minute.”
One of the most noticeable things about co-drivers is that they wear two watches. Viinikka believes one is enough, but having a backup brings peace of mind.
“I wear two watches, but I really only use one – the other is just a spare. These days, everyone has a phone in their pocket, so one watch would be fine.”
Among all the tools, Viinikka places an ordinary smartphone on the table. While it’s not essential in domestic rallies, it plays an important role in WRC events.
“In WRC rallies, it’s useful to have a separate phone. Recce timing is tracked via a mobile app. You can usually rent a phone for this purpose, and technically, you could use your own phone, but we prefer to have a dedicated device.”
“The screen has to stay on at all times during special stages so the tracking system works. If someone calls mid-stage, the tracking stops.”
A co-driver’s racing gear is the same as the driver’s, except for gloves, which are not practical for reading pacenotes. The firesuit includes a fireproof base layer consisting of socks, underwear, top, and balaclava, as well as an FIA-approved racing suit, boots, HANS (Head and Neck Support) device, and helmet.
In international competitions, the base layer also includes FIA-approved underwear, so regular Donald Duck boxers can be left at home for these rallies. The visible parts of the racing gear include FIA-approved boots, a racing suit, a HANS device, and a helmet.
“I’m not particularly committed to any specific equipment manufacturer. I’ve always used a Stilo helmet, and especially now, with Rautio Motorsport team, we’ve been using OMP racing gear. These are personal preferences,” Viinikka says.
RallyJournal.com will later publish the second part of Anssi Viinikka’s interview, focusing on the secrets of pacenote preparation and development.
Read all published parts of the “From fan to co-driver” feature here.
