Precision Under Pressure: Tales from Rally Costa Brava

Stepping into my first Rally Costa Brava, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. Having covered the FIA EHRC round in Lahti a few years ago, my standards for organization were high—and to be honest, the event worked like a charm. Even with two stage cancellations, the timetable remained unshaken. Coordinating 200 cars without a single delay is no small feat; it is a testament to years of experience and the execution of strict regulations.

The Best Laid Plans: Recce and the Rain

I arrived in Girona early to conduct a media recce—scouting shortcuts, mountain access roads, and those perfect, elusive vantage points. I felt prepared, until the weather turned. A yellow warning was issued, flirting with red, and suddenly my meticulously planned mountain paths were impassable. But that is the nature of rallying: there is always a Plan B.

The Power of Team Synergy

Reuniting with Kyle Tilley and Martin Brady was the highlight of the weekend. There is an immense benefit to working with a specific team rather than attempting to capture every car in the field. I know their rhythm; I know exactly how the car will behave into a corner. This level of trust allows me to push for the extraordinary shot rather than settling for a safe compromise. Even the torrential rain couldn't dampen the mood—I’ve learned that with the right gear, the rain is just another element to master.

Translating Track Techniques to the Stage

After years spent on the race track, I’ve realized that my greatest strength is panning. It’s a technique often avoided by rally photographers due to the high risk of missing the frame, but it’s a skill I’ve honed to perfection on the circuit. On tarmac stages, where you don’t get the dramatic gravel spray of dirt rallies, high shutter speeds can make a car look static. Through panning, I can convey the true raw speed and fluid motion of the vehicle.

I am already looking forward to the next tarmac rounds of the FIA EHRC. With a few new ideas to refine my workflow and elevate my imagery, the Czech Republic is going to be an incredible playground.