Elfyn Evans shared that using a smartphone for pace notes while driving in the World Rally Championship was nearly as effective as usual after an odd event at Rally Portugal.
At Rally Portugal, a mix-up led to Elfyn Evans’ co-driver, Scott Martin, using a smartphone for navigation. They had to improvise when Martin forgot their usual pace notebook after a confusing delay at a checkpoint.
Despite the unexpected change, Martin managed to read the digital notes from his phone effectively, although he faced some challenges due to his eyesight and the small screen. Evans was pleasantly surprised by how smoothly it went, even though it wasn’t perfect.
Martin had prepared for such an unforeseen event by keeping a digital copy of the notes, which proved to be a lifesaver. He emphasized the importance of having a backup and adapting to new situations.
While Martin doesn’t see digital pace notes replacing the traditional method, he acknowledges the benefits of being prepared with a digital version. The day was tough for Evans, who faced several setbacks, including a tyre puncture that dashed any hopes of a top finish. Despite the difficulties, he focused on learning and improving his performance with the car.
