Time deviation
Also: Deviation, Time error
The difference between your measured time and the target time. Penalty points are calculated from it.
The time deviation is the difference between the time recorded at a timing point and your target time. It is the basis of the results.
Early or late
In regularity tests usually only the size of the deviation counts. Being 0.8 seconds early or late makes no difference, both count as 0.8 seconds. Results often show a sign: minus means early, plus means late. Some organisers use it the other way round, so read the regulations.
Example
Target time at the light barrier: 6:15.00. Recorded: 6:15.37. Your deviation is 0.37 seconds. If the regulations give one point per hundredth, you get 37 penalty points.
Where deviations come from
- a poorly calibrated odometer
- misread distances
- traffic, lights or roadworks
- pressing the stopwatch too late
Correcting on the move
The sooner you notice you are ahead or behind, the more gently you can correct. Rally Co-Pilot compares your driven distance with the plan via GPS and shows the deviation in metres. The guide explains why calibration matters so much here.