Time trial (TT)
A scored section where a single prescribed target time must be hit as exactly as possible (abbreviated TT). Unlike a regularity test, the target time counts, not a constant average.
The time trial (German Zeitprüfung or Sollzeitprüfung) is a scored section on which the crew must match a target time set by the organiser as precisely as possible – no faster and no slower.
Unlike the regularity test, where an average speed must be held evenly across the whole section, what counts here is the exact time over the section at a single point. Timing is often to the hundredth of a second, frequently with light barriers at start and finish; any deviation – too early or too late – brings penalty points.
The aids are the stopwatch, the distance recorder and average-speed tables. The time trial is closely related to the time control, which also works with a target time.
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Related terms
Regularity test
A scored test in which a section must be driven at a prescribed, as-constant-as-possible average speed. Consistency is scored – not hitting a single target time as in a time trial.
Average-speed table
Table giving, for a prescribed average speed, the target time for each distance – an aid in regularity stages.
Regularity rally
An event where the aim is to drive as evenly as possible. Deviations from the set target time and the required average speed are scored, usually via at least one secret time control.