21:57 14-02-2026

Subaru rally car drives down Olympic bobsleigh track in Switzerland

Watch as a Subaru WRX STI rally car, modified with studded tires, descends the St. Moritz bobsleigh track, showcasing extreme rally capabilities on ice.

In 2018, Subaru and Prodrive conducted an unusual experiment: they sent a rally-spec WRX STI down the Olympic bobsleigh track in St. Moritz–Celerina, Switzerland. This kilometer-long descent features a 130-meter drop and 19 turns, including the famous 'Horseshoe' bend with its steep banking, where athletes experience forces up to 5G.

Behind the wheel was rally champion Mark Higgins. The car was largely stock but had been modified with a reinforced body, a roll cage, a 10-liter fuel tank, stiffer suspension, and brakes adapted for cold conditions. The key change was the addition of narrow rally tires, each fitted with about 400 tungsten carbide studs, enabling the all-wheel-drive system to grip effectively on ice.

During the run, the car repeatedly brushed against the track walls before making its own way back up. This project showcased the capabilities of rally machinery in extreme environments, highlighting that race cars aren't limited to asphalt or gravel—they can also tackle an icy Olympic track.