The FIA World Rally Championship is already faster than the mind-blowing Group B rally days of the 1980s and with new regulations forthcoming in 2017, stage rally will actually be getting even faster. The standard 1.6-liter turbocharged engines will get more more horsepower next year along with more downforce to increase cornering speeds. As a result, expect to see record-setting pace for the finishers. However, the addition of speed in modern motorsport requires additional safety measurements and the FIA have taken measures to improve upon that, particularly with regard to side-impact safety for drivers and codrivers.

More speed, however, also means the continuation of spectacular crashes that are the natural consequence of racing unprepared, remote roads. And the WRC reminded us both of the sport’s nature and their designs to mitigate injury with two videos this week. Rally has been a tough spectator draw in most of the world and the series seems to think that making cars faster is the answer. Time will tell, but in the meantime, here’s a reminder of what’s at stake and how the FIA are working to make rallying safer.