The Codasur Rally Championship is a regional rally series organized by CODASUR, the Confederation of Automobile Sports of the Americas, featuring stage rallies across South America. It serves as a developmental and competitive platform for national teams and private crews, running under FIA regional rally standards. The championship emphasizes route precision, pace over varied surfaces, and crew coordination. This guide explains how the series operates, its event format, scoring, and key regulations that define participation and competition.
How the Codasur Rally Championship Works
The Codasur Rally Championship typically follows a multi-event format across different countries in South America, with rallies conducted on public roads and closed stages. Events are structured as regular season rounds, each including reconnaissance, shakedown, and timed special stages. Entry is open to national teams and eligible private entries that meet regional homologation and technical safety requirements. The series aligns closely with FIA regional rally sporting and technical regulations to ensure consistency and safety.
Event Format and Schedule
Each rally weekend includes reconnaissance, often one or two shakedown runs, and a set number of timed stages spread across multiple days. The calendar is planned annually and subject to updates based on permits, logistics, and weather. Points are awarded to top classified finishers, with additional manufacturer points where applicable. The series attracts national teams from member countries, alongside private crews who prepare locally sourced vehicles that comply with technical rules.
Notable Events and Venues
Rallies in the Codasur Championship are held in diverse terrain, including gravel, tarmac, and mixed surface stages, commonly across Bolivia, Paraguay, and neighboring regions. Event specifics such as route length, stage count, and service park arrangements vary by rally, subject to local authority approvals and seasonal conditions. Organizers coordinate with municipal, police, and health authorities to stage events safely and manage road closures.
Scoring and Points System
Points are allocated to the fastest overall finishers in each rally, with decrements for lower positions. Additional manufacturer points may be awarded where manufacturers enter eligible entries. Only the best overall results within a defined period count toward the championship standings, encouraging consistency across the season. Disqualifications, time penalties, and mechanical failures can influence final positions, making reliability and navigation equally important.
Championship Standings and Eligibility
Drivers and co-drivers receive points according to their finishing position; manufacturers may score separately when two or more entries from the same constructor are eligible. To remain competitive, teams balance pace with risk, considering stage length, road conditions, and service times. The championship rewards precision driving and thorough preparation, with standings updated after each event and published by CODASUR.
Vehicle Eligibility and Technical Rules
Entries must comply with Codasur and FIA regional rally technical regulations, including homologation requirements for certain vehicle categories. Modifications are permitted within defined limits, and inspections occur at service parks and pre-event checks. Safety equipment such as roll cages, seat belts, extinguishers, and first-aid kits is mandatory for all classified entries.
Key Technical and Safety Requirements
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| FIA Regional Rally Category | Operates under CODASUR as regional authority under FIA | Regional Sporting Regulations |
| Mandatory Safety Equipment | Roll cage, seat belts, extinguisher, first-aid kit | CODASUR Technical Code |
| Eligible Vehicle Types | Rally cars, production-based specials complying with homologation | Event Entry Notices |
| Stage Surface Types | Gravel, tarmac, mixed; varies by event and country | Past Event Calendars |
| Points Allocation | Top finishers receive points; manufacturer points where applicable | Championship Standings Archives |
| Typical Event Duration | Two to three days including reconnaissance and shakedown | Event Programs |
Teams and Key Participants
Competitors include national teams from member countries, factory-affiliated crews when present, and privateer entries using production-based or specialized rally cars. Driver and codriver experience vary, with many participants building careers through consistent regional results. Teams prepare meticulously, focusing on pace notes, vehicle setup, and logistics to manage stages efficiently.
Driver and Codriver Roles
The driver controls pace and line choice, while the codriver reads pace notes and communicates timing, junctions, and hazards. Clear communication and shared understanding of the route are essential. Preparation often includes simulator work, video analysis, and on-site reconnaissance to refine pace notes and minimize risks.