{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Rally Japan 2026: Evans wins as Solberg makes another mistake","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/rally-japan-2026-evans-wins-as-solberg-makes-another-mistake","audioUrl":"https://rss.art19.com/episodes/18512167-8ac2-4078-96d1-37cb7f1b52d5.mp3?rss_browser=BAhJIhJQYXNzZW5nZXJTZWF0BjoGRVQ%3D--8fefffe563646d548c90d8b3b514a7a3fa898263","description":"\n        Colin Clark and Luke Barry convene to analyze an intriguing Rally Japan 2026. Just how good was Elfyn Evans? Is Oliver Solberg still a title threat? Is it even fair to expect him to be? Why was Sébastien Ogier slightly off color, and which of the Hyundai drivers continues to impress us? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.\n      "},"annotations":[{"startTime":33.0,"endTime":73.0,"type":"term","title":"ECUs","url":"/glossary/ecus","quote":"This podcast is brought to you in association with Link ECU, the specialist\nperformance ECUs for Subaru's in rallying.\nLink ECUs offer plug-in convenience and advanced tunability with fully adjustable\nfuel and ignition maps.","canonicalId":"term:ecus","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"An ECU (engine control unit) is the car’s computer that manages engine operation. In rally tuning, it’s used to control things like fuel delivery and ignition timing via programmable maps so the engine performs consistently across changing conditions.","simplifiedExplanation":"An ECU is the engine computer. It decides how the engine should run, including how much fuel to use and when to ignite it, based on sensor inputs."}},{"startTime":33.0,"endTime":73.0,"type":"company","title":"Link ECU","url":"/glossary/link-ecu","quote":"This podcast is brought to you in association with Link ECU, the specialist\nperformance ECUs for Subaru's in rallying.\nLink ECUs offer plug-in convenience and advanced tunability with fully adjustable\nfuel and ignition maps.","canonicalId":"company:link-ecu","priority":0.2,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Link ECU is a specialist performance-ECU brand used in motorsport. In this segment, it’s positioned as offering programmable control for rally cars, including adjustable fuel and ignition mapping and diagnostic features.","simplifiedExplanation":"Link ECU is a company that makes the car’s engine computer for racing. It lets rally teams change how the engine runs—like fuel delivery and spark timing—so the car can be tuned for different conditions."}},{"startTime":40.8,"endTime":45.6,"type":"term","title":"fuel and ignition maps","url":"/glossary/fuel-and-ignition-maps","quote":"Link ECUs offer plug-in convenience and advanced tunability with fully adjustable\nfuel and ignition maps.\nThey're designed to perform in harsh motorsport environments with fail-safe","canonicalId":"term:fuel-and-ignition-maps","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Fuel and ignition maps are the ECU’s calibration tables that determine how much fuel to inject and when to spark. By adjusting these maps, teams can tailor engine response and power delivery for different rally stages, temperatures, and fuel types.","simplifiedExplanation":"These are the engine computer’s settings. One set controls how much fuel the engine gets, and another controls when the spark happens—together they shape how the car accelerates and runs."}},{"startTime":47.6,"endTime":51.4,"type":"term","title":"fail-safe strategies","url":"/glossary/fail-safe-strategies","quote":"They're designed to perform in harsh motorsport environments with fail-safe\nstrategies to protect engine components and proven durability in extreme rally\nscenarios worldwide.","canonicalId":"term:fail-safe-strategies","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Fail-safe strategies are ECU behaviors designed to reduce damage if something goes wrong (like sensor faults or out-of-range operating conditions). In motorsport, they help protect engine components by switching to safer control modes rather than letting the engine run unchecked.","simplifiedExplanation":"Fail-safe strategies are backup protections built into the engine computer. If the car detects a problem, it changes to a safer operating mode to help prevent engine damage."}},{"startTime":58.2,"endTime":62.8,"type":"term","title":"Advanced idle control","url":"/glossary/advanced-idle-control","quote":"Advanced idle control allows for smooth operation in tough terrain, and flex\nfuel support means you can run pump gas all E85 without manual switching.","canonicalId":"term:advanced-idle-control","priority":0.4,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Advanced idle control is ECU logic that stabilizes engine speed when the throttle is closed. In tough terrain, it helps keep the engine from stalling or surging during low-speed maneuvers and frequent changes in load.","simplifiedExplanation":"Idle control is how the engine computer keeps the engine speed steady when you’re not pressing the gas. Advanced idle control helps prevent stalling or rough running in difficult, low-speed driving."}},{"startTime":62.8,"endTime":68.3,"type":"term","title":"flex fuel support","url":"/glossary/flex-fuel-support","quote":"Advanced idle control allows for smooth operation in tough terrain, and flex\nfuel support means you can run pump gas all E85 without manual switching.\nWith data and diagnostics, as well as customizable strategies, the bottom line","canonicalId":"term:flex-fuel-support","priority":0.6,"confidence":0.88,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Flex fuel support means the ECU can adapt to different ethanol-gasoline blends. The segment specifically mentions running pump gas “all E85,” which implies the ECU can adjust fueling and timing for high-ethanol fuel without the driver manually switching setups.","simplifiedExplanation":"Flex fuel support means the engine computer can handle different fuel blends, including high-ethanol fuel. It adjusts automatically so you don’t have to manually change settings when the fuel changes."}},{"startTime":65.6,"endTime":68.3,"type":"term","title":"E85","url":"/glossary/e-85","quote":"Advanced idle control allows for smooth operation in tough terrain, and flex\nfuel support means you can run pump gas all E85 without manual switching.\nWith data and diagnostics, as well as customizable strategies, the bottom line","canonicalId":"term:e85","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"E85 is a fuel blend containing about 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. Ethanol changes combustion characteristics, so a rally ECU with flex-fuel capability can recalibrate fueling and ignition to suit E85.","simplifiedExplanation":"E85 is a fuel mix that’s mostly ethanol. Because it burns differently than regular gas, the engine computer may need to adjust settings to run it correctly."}},{"startTime":68.3,"endTime":73.0,"type":"term","title":"data and diagnostics","url":"/glossary/data-and-diagnostics","quote":"With data and diagnostics, as well as customizable strategies, the bottom line\nis Link ECUs give Subaru rally drivers the power, control and the confidence\nneeded to push limits while maintaining reliability and ease of use.","canonicalId":"term:data-and-diagnostics","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Data and diagnostics refer to the ECU’s ability to log operating information and report fault conditions. In rally use, this helps teams monitor engine behavior and troubleshoot issues quickly between stages.","simplifiedExplanation":"Diagnostics are the engine computer’s way of checking for problems and reporting what it finds. Data logging helps teams see how the car is behaving so they can spot issues faster."}},{"startTime":498.2,"endTime":504.4,"type":"person","title":"Sebastian OJ","quote":"[491.0s] You know, particularly what he said at that final stop line,\n[495.0s] you know, he wins and wins.\n[496.6s] That's not like OJ to win.\n[498.2s] I am Sebastian OJ's biggest fan.\n[500.4s] I absolutely love him.\n[502.0s] I love the fact that he's done it in different cars.","canonicalId":"person:sebastian-oj","priority":0.6,"confidence":0.55,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Sebastian OJ is discussed as a rally driver with a reputation for strong results but also emotional, sometimes controversial, in-the-moment comments. The hosts connect his performance to specific rally contexts like Japan and earlier seasons, implying his driving style and mindset affect outcomes.","simplifiedExplanation":"Sebastian OJ is a rally driver the host really likes. The discussion suggests he can be very emotional during the rally, but he also performs well and has a strong track record."}},{"startTime":507.2,"endTime":511.4,"type":"term","title":"FIA","url":"/glossary/fia","quote":"[502.0s] I love the fact that he's done it in different cars.\n[504.4s] I love the fact he's got a bit of edginess about him.\n[507.2s] I love the fact that when the FIA tried to stop him from winning in the Volkswagen days\n[511.4s] by changing the rules, he went, you, I'm going to win anyway.","canonicalId":"term:fia","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) is the global governing body for major motorsport series, including rallying. In the segment, the host says the FIA tried to change the rules to stop OJ from winning in Volkswagen-era competition, highlighting how rule changes can reshape rally outcomes.","simplifiedExplanation":"The FIA is the organization that governs many kinds of racing worldwide. In this segment, they’re described as changing the rules to try to affect who wins."}},{"startTime":531.3,"endTime":534.46,"type":"concept","title":"road position","url":"/glossary/road-position","quote":"[523.4s] And I will caveat it by saying that some of the things he said in the heat of the moment\n[527.6s] in Japan disappointed me, really disappointed.\n[531.3s] You're talking about Elvin only being in the lead because of road position.","canonicalId":"concept:road-position","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In rallying, road position refers to where a car starts or runs relative to others on the same stages. The host implies that Elvin’s lead was influenced by road position—i.e., track conditions and timing can make it easier or harder to go fast."}},{"startTime":534.86,"endTime":615.62,"type":"term","title":"tires","url":"/glossary/tires","quote":"And then they were talking an awful lot about the tires and blaming the tires.\nLook, Ted, you are the master of tires, but looking at the tires, understanding tires,\ngetting the best out of tires.","canonicalId":"term:tires","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.62,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In rallying, tires are the main contact patch between the car and the road, so they largely determine grip, braking traction, and how confidently the driver can attack corners. When hosts talk about “blaming the tires,” they’re usually referring to how tire choice and condition affect performance across different stages and surfaces.","simplifiedExplanation":"Tires are what actually touch the road, so they control how much grip the car has. In rally, if the tires aren’t working well for the conditions, the driver can’t go as fast or as confidently."}},{"startTime":579.4,"endTime":586.7,"type":"term","title":"hybrid units","quote":"One of the stages this year where they broke a stage record on the hand-to-tires without the hybrid units.","canonicalId":"term:hybrid-units","priority":0.6,"confidence":0.55,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In modern rally cars, “hybrid units” refer to the hybrid power system that adds electrical energy to the drivetrain. The host’s point is that a stage record was set “without the hybrid units,” implying the car’s traction and acceleration behavior (and therefore tire workload) changed when hybrid assist wasn’t available.","simplifiedExplanation":"A hybrid unit is the extra electric part of a hybrid car that can add power. If a stage was done without it, the car’s power delivery would be different, which can change how hard the tires have to work."}},{"startTime":874.8,"endTime":879.9,"type":"concept","title":"managed the gap","url":"/glossary/managed-the-gap","quote":"And he fully took it.\nAnd over the rest of the rally, he managed the gap and it was just an immaculate win.","canonicalId":"concept:managed-the-gap","priority":0.6,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Managing the gap” is rally strategy: once a driver has a time advantage over rivals, they adjust their pace to protect that advantage rather than pushing at maximum intensity. It often means balancing risk (mistakes) against time loss to ensure the lead survives to the end."}},{"startTime":893.9,"endTime":899.0,"type":"term","title":"stage","url":"/glossary/stage","quote":"But it is equally an indication of that stage being the key stage of the event.\nAnd OJ was just, I think, quite angry about it afterwards","canonicalId":"term:stage","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In rallying, a “stage” is a timed section of the route (often on closed roads) where crews race against the clock. The winner of the rally is determined by total time across all stages, so a single stage can swing the overall result.","simplifiedExplanation":"A “stage” is one timed part of a rally, like a specific stretch of road the drivers race through. Your time on each stage adds up, so one stage can make a big difference to who wins overall."}},{"startTime":1782.43,"endTime":1789.05,"type":"car","title":"Dodge Challenger","url":"/cars/dodge/challenger","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0e/%2772_Dodge_Challenger_%28Rigaud%29.jpg","quote":"... sense, we do have to consider him a championship challenger, even if we're expecting the names below him on t...","canonicalId":"car:dodge:challenger","priority":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Dodge Challenger is a performance-focused muscle car known for its powerful engines and classic two-door layout. It often comes up in motorsport and racing conversations because its strong straight-line performance and broad aftermarket support make it a common choice for competition builds. In a podcast discussing championship-level contenders, it’s likely mentioned as part of the lineup of cars being considered for top results.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Dodge Challenger is a two-door car built for speed and strong acceleration. People talk about it a lot in racing because it has a reputation for being fast and there are many ways to modify it for competition. If it’s mentioned alongside “championship” talk, it’s likely being treated as a serious contender.","imageAttribution":"Wikimedia Commons / Public domain"}},{"startTime":2046.3,"endTime":2055.1,"type":"term","title":"gravel notes","url":"/glossary/gravel-notes","quote":"Let us talk about maybe not having again the right information in his gravel notes, his safety notes.","canonicalId":"term:gravel-notes","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Gravel notes” refers to the pace notes rally drivers use to describe upcoming corners and hazards on a specific surface. Because gravel behaves differently than tarmac (traction and grip change constantly), the notes are crucial for timing braking, turn-in, and how aggressively to carry speed.","simplifiedExplanation":"Rally drivers write “notes” about what the road will do next—like what corners are coming and how tight they are. On gravel, grip changes a lot, so those notes help the driver prepare for each turn."}},{"startTime":2046.3,"endTime":2055.1,"type":"term","title":"safety notes","url":"/glossary/safety-notes","quote":"Let us talk about maybe not having again the right information in his gravel notes, his safety notes.","canonicalId":"term:safety-notes","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Safety notes” are additional rally notes focused on risk management—things like where the road is particularly dangerous, where visibility is limited, or where conditions can surprise the driver. They’re meant to help the driver avoid or mitigate incidents by adjusting approach before a critical section.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Safety notes” are extra reminders in the driver’s notes about where the stage is risky. The idea is to help the driver slow down or change approach so they don’t get caught out."}},{"startTime":2052.6,"endTime":2077.8,"type":"term","title":"scrub speed","url":"/glossary/scrub-speed","quote":"And then you're scrubbing speed, but you've got to lose a lot of speed. Unfortunately, Solberg was still trying to lose speed as he hit that cut.","canonicalId":"term:scrub-speed","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In rally driving, “scrub speed” means deliberately reducing speed before or while entering a corner, often by easing off the throttle, using braking, or managing traction. The goal is to slow the car enough to stay stable and set up the next turn, especially in tight, twisty sections.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Scrub speed” just means slowing down on purpose before a corner. In rally stages, drivers do it to keep the car under control and set up for the next turn."}},{"startTime":2055.1,"endTime":2088.3,"type":"term","title":"cut","url":"/glossary/cut","quote":"You know, that cut just before that left hander where you're looking at scrub speed. It was a very tight and twisty section of the stage... Unfortunately, Solberg was still trying to lose speed as he hit that cut.","canonicalId":"term:cut","priority":0.4,"confidence":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In rally stage driving, a “cut” is a marked or recognized shortcut line through a corner or chicane area, often used to reduce distance and time. Hitting a cut at the wrong speed or without the right information can force the car onto unstable surfaces, leading to loss of control or a big mistake.","simplifiedExplanation":"A “cut” is a shortcut line through a corner that can save time. If you take it too fast (or don’t know what it’s like), the car can get unstable and you can make a mistake."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"DirtFish","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/rally-japan-2026-evans-wins-as-solberg-makes-another-mistake/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}