Skoda no exception in using eyes in the sky.

Because of the Safari Rally's unique conditions, all teams use spotter helicopters to alert their drivers to unseen hazards on the road ahead, and Skoda Motorsport is no exception as its drivers benefit from the helicopter's information throughout the event.

The helicopter is crewed by an experienced pilot, a doctor and a 'spotter', who is in radio contact with the competing car. The helicopter flies above and just behind the rally car to get a good view of the road ahead and point out any risks which might cause an accident. Normally, the spotter, who is also often an experienced driver, will try to keep quiet in order not to distract the crew's attention. However, if he sees an obstacle ahead, he will be straight on the radio to give the competing crew as much warning as possible.

Large sections of the Safari Rally are still held on open public roads, so all manner of obstacles can pose a risk. These range from donkeys to Masai warriors to giraffes, and crews even risk meeting a local road car coming towards them on the stage! Public roads are open to everybody, and this is why the information from helicopter crews is absolutely crucial.

The helicopter is also in contact with team management back at the service park, and will often relay information about the car's location and conditions. They can also be used to pass messages on to the crew if the radio link between service park and rally car breaks down.

The Safari Rally is a tough and unique event and, as such, it is the only rally where spotter helicopters are used. On other rallies, closed roads and a wide network of marshals are enough to guarantee safety. But, for Skoda's team management on the Safari, the helicopters are yet another set of eyes and ears. And with distances so huge and remote on the African event, the helicopters are useful for ferrying drivers back to base if they retire in the middle of nowhere.

Skoda's helicopter pilot on the Safari was Gerry Broberg, a South African with more than 35 years of flying experience.

"It's always great fun and a good challenge to follow the path of the rally car," he said, "But our biggest priority is always safety. I'm in constant contact with the other helicopter pilots on a dedicated frequency, so we always know where we all are. This was my sixth Safari Rally - I absolutely love it but I was so disappointed when Kenneth Eriksson was forced to retire."

"Gerry and all the helicopter pilots do a fantastic job," Eriksson said, returning the compliment, "Without the work of the spotter helicopters, we couldn't do this rally."