SA Rally Raid will host its first compulsory Electronic Roadbook (RBR Roadbook Reader) training session for the 2026 season this week, following the official announcement that digital roadbooks will be mandatory from Round One.
The move brings the championship into direct alignment with leading international rally raid events, including the Dakar Rally, where digital navigation has become the global standard.
The introduction of the compulsory digital roadbook marks a strategic evolution for SA Rally Raid, reinforcing South Africa’s position on the international stage and ensuring competitors operate within the same systems and procedures used at the highest level of the sport.
Jaco Jonck, Competitor Relations Officer for SA Rally Raid, says the timing is deliberate.
“The introduction of the digital roadbook for the 2026 season is a strategic step in the continued evolution of the SA Rally Raid Championship. Rally Raid globally has moved toward digital navigation, and aligning now ensures that South Africa remains relevant, competitive and internationally connected.”
Jonck says the decision to introduce the digital roadbook was driven by several important objectives. “From a safety perspective, it reduces distraction and improves situational awareness in the cockpit. It also strengthens fairness and competitiveness through the standardised distribution and controlled release of navigation information. At the same time, it future-proofs the championship by adopting the technology direction of modern rally raid, while improving operational efficiency by streamlining organiser workflows and allowing us to adapt more quickly to unforeseen route changes.”
What changes for competitors?
A digital roadbook is an electronic version of the traditional navigation document, displayed on a dedicated Android-based device using the RBR Roadbook Reader system.
Importantly, the navigation language, symbols and FIA standards remain unchanged. What changes, is the delivery system. Instead of manually printing, binding and updating paper roadbooks – often with last-minute changes – competitors will now be able to access their roadbook digitally, with controlled release timing and automatic scrolling functionality.
“This reduces preparation time, improves readability in varying light conditions with a clear, stable display without the risk of torn or missing pages and introduces greater consistency between crews.
Jonck adds that controlled release of the roadbook at designated times also helps level the playing field by removing any advantage associated with early access or manual preparation techniques.
“Nothing beats experience, and we are fortunate to have some of the most experienced navigators,” he says. “However, the new digital format will no doubt definitely suit some of the younger navigators.”
Safety and Dakar-level exposure
Safety is one of the primary benefits of the system. The digital roadbook reduces physical interaction with navigation equipment, minimises distraction at speed and provides clearer, more stable information.
Operationally, the system mirrors procedures used at Dakar and other international rally raid events – offering local competitors the major advantage of getting exposure to the same tools, systems and expectations found at the highest level of the sport.
“Exposure to the same technology is highly valuable for South African competitors,” says Jonck. “This effectively creates a development pathway, reducing the steep learning curve for those aiming to compete internationally.”
SA Rally Raid is committed to ensuring a smooth transition. The first official training session will be held this week on Wednesday 4 March at 18:00 and will demonstrate the system to competitors and provide practical guidance. “We are encouraging as many drivers, navigators and team technical personnel to attend,” says Jonck.
Officials will closely monitor the roll-out at the first two events, where GPS and printed roadbooks remain optional to ensure technical issues are resolved during the transition phase.
Jonck says initial feedback from competitors has been broadly positive, with most concerns centred on hardware requirements and functionality — topics that will be addressed during the training.
Archie Rutherford, CEO of SA Rally Raid, says the move represents a long-term investment in the sport. “The adoption of the RBR Electronic Roadbook is about strengthening the professionalism, safety and global standing of SA Rally Raid. This transition aligns us directly with international best practice and ensures our competitors are equipped with the same tools used on the world stage.”
He adds reassurance for those feeling apprehensive. “This change is designed to make race day simpler, safer and more consistent. With the support and training provided, most competitors will adapt very quickly. The long-term benefits to the sport and its competitors are significant.”
Competitors are encouraged to register via official communication channels and attend the session on Wednesday, 4 March at 18:00.
PREPARED ON BEHALF OF SA RALLY RAID BY CATHY FINDLEY PUBLIC RELATIONS
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