NEWS: Wales Rally GB Is Here!

At last: The new-look Wales Rally GB is go! We'll be there watching the final (and only UK-based) round of the WRC and we can't wait. Will you be getting involved in the gravel-spitting action?  

After months of planning and preparation, Wales Rally GB (14-17 November) is primed and ready for some spectacular action as the 2013 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) reaches its thrilling conclusion in the legendary Welsh forests.
The newly crowned 2013 WRC champion Sébastien Ogier heads the star-studded field which also includes two past Wales Rally GB winners from Scandinavia, Mikko Hirvonen and Jari-Matti Latvala. The established rally aces will be joined by former F1 grand prix winner Robert Kubica in his first WRC car drive and Olympic gold medallist Amy Williams MBE.
The high-speed show blasts off in Snowdonia on Thursday evening (14 November) following a glittering Ceremonial Start in front of Conwy Castle. Conwy Quay from 18:30hrs will be lit up by fireworks, searchlights, flames and lasers while Conwy Castle's medieval fortifications will be transformed by some amazing digitally-created visuals.
In total the WRC competitors face 22 classic special stages, all run against the clock, before the winner is crowned back in Llandudno on Sunday afternoon. Adding to the sense of occasion, the Great Orme that overlooks both Conwy and Llandudno – and witnesses the rally's final competitive stage on Sunday – will be floodlit for the duration of the world championship event.
The event's move to north Wales not only features a new Headquarters and Service Park in Deeside but also the inclusion of three exciting new, family-friendly RallyFest Stages at Sweet Lamb (Friday), Chirk Castle (Saturday) and Kinmel Park (Sunday). Aimed at providing a full day's entertainment for all ages, these RallyFests include big screens, live music, car displays plus a host of other fun-filled attractions. There's also live music on offer at the Service Park on the Friday and Saturday evenings.
Various ticket options will be available to purchase 'on the day' from the official Wales Rally GB ticket offices at Venue Cymru (in Llandudno) and the Deeside Service Park. Alternatively, fans can take advantage of the revised ticket pricing 2013 with 'on the gate' adult entry to individual special stages just £15* on a first come first served basis.
For ticket office opening times, a full list of prices and the event timetable, visit:www.walesrallygb.com

* Limited tickets are available to purchase 'on the gate' for individual Forest and RallyFest Stages, subject to availability. World Rally Passes (providing access to all of the action over the four days), Day Passes and RallyFest tickets are on sale at the official Wales Rally GB ticket offices. Terms and conditions may apply.

NEWS: Wales Rally GB Attracts Capacity Amateur Entries

Wales Rally GB has attracted a capacity entry of amateurs – super-keen to line-up against the best of the best in WRC on a global stage at the classic Welsh gravel rally event, November 14-17th. And that means there's going to be some cracking diversity to the entry lists in this year's re-vamped events – from Mk2 Escorts and Porsche 911's, through classic Imprezas and Evos to the latest WRC beasts.
Organisers say the move to North Wales has been "hugely popular" with amateur entries – who will take part in one of two (two-day and three-day) National rallies, running in conjunction with the WRC event, on the same special stages. And one of those crews is the Race2Recovery team, running three Freelanders.

Wales Rally GB say: "Much of the appeal has come from the organisers’ strenuous efforts to ensure local teams can maximise the World Championship’s presence in north Wales. Crews competing in the two National events are based alongside the premier WRC teams in the new Service Park situated in Deeside. Their concurrent routes feature many of the same classic Welsh forest stages as well as the exciting new spectator RallyFest stages at Chirk Castle and Kinmel Park. Finishers will receive their trophies on the newly designed, high-profile WRC Start/Finish Podium in Llandudno on Sunday afternoon."
In total a maximum of 100 places were available, with five of these being offered free to the winners of the various national rally championships as part of the ‘Road to Wales’ initiative. The remaining 95 places have all been filled with the organisers now only accepting a handful of hopeful reserves.
“We are thrilled to announce a maximum capacity entry for the two National Rallies – it’s further proof of just how popular the move to an exciting new base in north Wales is proving to be,” said a delighted Andrew Coe, Chief Executive of event organiser International Motor Sports. “For so many reasons it’s vitally important that Britain’s round of the FIA World Rally Championship acts as an inspiration to all those involved in the sport. That’s why it’s especially encouraging to see so many of our enthusiastic amateurs keen to pit their skills against rallying’s elite on what are some of the world’s best special stages. What’s more the full entry will provide fans with lots of extra entertainment.”
Adult tickets for individual stages start from just £15* while Day Passes providing multiple stage access can be purchased for just £33*. Moreover both tickets include a free programme valued at £7.50. Full details can be found on the official www.walesrallygb.com websites.

Footnote: While both National events are sold out, ambitious amateurs can still tackle the full Wales Rally GB with its 196 miles of timed sections starting in Snowdonia after dark on Thursday evening – entries for that close on 15th October. Indeed, to encourage local teams to gain World Championship experience, the organisers are offering crews a significantly discounted entry fee (reduced to £1500 from £2598) where both driver and co-driver hold an MSA competition licence and a British passport.
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International entries for Wales Rally GB still available.

NEWS: Wales Rally GB £5,000,000 Economy Boost

Organisers of the only UK WRC round – Wales Rally GB, 14-17th November – today say the stella event is set to boost the Welsh economy to the tune of £5,000,000.

They say there will be big benefits for hotels, companies and communities in Wales, a boost to the Welsh automotive sector and overall positive effect to the Welsh international profile and reputation.
The event organisers also claim the arrival of the prestigious FIA World Rally Championship in North Wales later this year is already delivering significant benefits to a wide range of different key sectors within the Welsh economy.
A spokesman said: "The final round of this year’s WRC will have its Headquarters and central Service Park based at a new site located alongside the Toyota Engine Plant at Deeside with a ceremonial start in Conwy and finish in Llandudno. The move not only highlights the automotive industry’s importance to the Welsh economy – more than 15,000 people are employed in automotive manufacturing in Wales generating an annual turnover of £3 billion – but it’s also benefiting local businesses. One obvious example is Mold-based civil engineering contractor FG Whitley which has been contracted by event organiser, International Motor Sports, to carry out major constructions preparing the new site in readiness for the arrival of the world’s top rally teams, much of this work is using Welsh stone, too.

"A large number of other Welsh companies also are profiting from the event. North Wales based graphic design agency View Creative has been engaged by IMS to provide Wales Rally GB with an exciting new look, which is being used on all communications and web-based materials throughout the world. Another beneficiary is Llandrindod Wells-based company Performance Clothing; it has been licensed to produce all the official Wales Rally GB clothing while the Orchard Media & Events Group in Cardiff has been engaged by IMS to produce TV and digital advertising materials.
"The media sector enjoys further benefits, too, with rounds of the WRC being aired on S4C, the Cardiff-based Welsh language TV broadcaster and IMS investing a considerable proportion of the high profile event’s advertising budget with Heart Radio in North Wales.
"With thousands of rally fans and teams members descending on Deeside as well as the legendary Welsh forest stages where the high-speed action takes place, hotels are also gaining from the World Championship’s presence in Wales at what’s a time of low occupancy. IMS alone has reserved more than 600 room nights for its organising team."
And Andrew Coe, Chief Executive of IMS added: "It has been calculated Wales Rally GB brings more than £5m to the Welsh economy – I think that figure is now somewhat conservative taking into account both the investment we are making in refreshing the event and the added interest that is generating in terms of an increase in advanced ticket sales. 

"There are, of course, many other equally important if less quantifiable benefits. The enormous international television coverage reminds global audiences of the spectacular scenery and landscapes of North Wales while, in the actual region, many local charities benefit from donations generated by spectator car parking."
Minister for the Economy, Science and Transport, Edwina Hart, added: "Our support for Wales Rally GB acts as a key driver in delivering the Welsh Government’s key commitment of strengthening the conditions that create jobs, wealth and sustainable growth. The Welsh economy receives an immediate benefit during Wales Rally GB with teams, marshals, businesses and spectators spending considerable amounts on accommodation, food and drink, hospitality – before, during and after the event.
"This world class sporting event is an ideal platform to show a global audience what Wales has to offer. In order to maximise the benefits of hosting the event in Wales, we will also organise events alongside the rally. An industry awareness event for students will be held alongside the new Wales Rally GB Service Park in Deeside and we will also work with Welsh Automotive Forum to plan an automotive conference at Venue Cymru."
For further updates follow Wales Rally GB on Twitter @walesrallygb, join the conversations on Facebook at www.facebook.com/walesrallygb or visit the website www.walesrallygb.com

NEWS: Opportunity Knocks for Amateurs @ Wales Rally GB

 

Opportunity knocks for rally amateurs at this year's re-vamped Wales Rally GB – with amateur rally crews are being offered three different national rally competition options to compete against the sport’s elite on this event running from its new base in North Wales, 14-17 November. This gives even more VFM for the fans watching the only British WRC event. Hooray!
Following extensive research among competitors, two different National events will be run alongside Britain’s concluding round of the 2013 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC); there’s also the opportunity for more ambitious entrants to contest Wales Rally GB in its entirety.
Ensuring all participants take full advantage of the WRC’s presence in north Wales, all teams will be based beside the premier world championship outfits in the new Service Park situated in Deeside. Adding to their appeal, the two National events feature many of the same classic Welsh forest stages as tackled by the WRC crews as well as the exciting new spectator stages at Chirk Castle and Kinmel Park, and the historic Great Orme. Finishers will receive their trophies on the newly designed, high-profile WRC Start/Finish Podium in Llandudno on Sunday afternoon.
The longer, three-day National rally includes no fewer than 11 of the 13 Wales Rally GB stages starting on Friday with challenging tests in Hafren, Sweet Lamb and Myherin. The shorter two-day National rally commences on Saturday morning and then shares the same route as the on-going three-day event.
Saturday’s schedule includes four challenging stages – Gartheinog, Dyfi, Dyfnant and Chirk Castle. Sunday kicks off with a second run through Dyfnant and then follows the WRC route via Penllyn, Clocaenog and Kinmel Park before a dramatic conclusion on the historic Great Orme.
As well as giving amateurs an outstanding opportunity to compete on the same classic stages as the top stars from the FIA World Rally Championship, the two National rallies offer great value for money. The three-day event includes 114 miles of competitive stages for an entry fee of just £900 while the 72-mile, two-day alternative is priced at £600. Categories for historic and FIA classes are available all with their own awards. A generous Guest Pass package is also available for competitors with a dedicated hospitality facility being constructed in the Deeside Service Park.
More ambitious amateurs can, of course, tackle Wales Rally GB with its 196 miles of timed sections starting in Snowdonia after dark on Thursday evening. Indeed, to encourage local teams to gain World Championship experience, the organisers are offering crews where both driver and co-driver hold an MSA competition licence and a British passport, a significantly discounted entry fee reduced to £1500 from £2598.
“Wales Rally GB is the grand finale to both the FIA World Rally Championship and the British rallying season and we are doing everything we can to ensure we are providing something really special for all those wanting to compete,” said Andrew Coe, Chief Executive of event organiser International Motor Sports. “The move to north Wales and the reintroduction of some truly classic Welsh forest stages and, of course, the Great Orme has been extremely well received. Now by offering the choice between two National rallies, plus discounted entries into the main event, we are confident that Wales Rally GB will be a hugely attractive opportunity no one will want to miss. It offers not only a chance for amateurs to pit their skills against rallying’s elite but also some fantastic stages and great value for money.”
What’s more the addition of many of the country’s top amateur crews will add further to the thrilling spectator experience with the promise of lots more spectacular action plus the inclusion of some exciting rally cars from past and present eras.
Adding to the appeal of the new-look Wales Rally GB, prices of adult admittance to individual forest stages on the day have been reduced to £15 (from £20 in 2012) while Day Passes have been re-introduced providing multiple stage access for just £33. Four-day World Rally Passes are available for £99. Moreover all adult tickets include a free programme priced at £7.50. The popular ‘Kids for a Quid’ scheme has been extended providing those aged between 9-15 years old with a four-day ticket giving access to all 22 stages for just £1. Those aged eight and under are admitted free. Full details can be found on the www.walesrallygb.com websites, now with a dedicated version optimised for mobile phones via www.walesrallygb.com/mobile/home.php.
For the latest updates, directions and stage information, follow Wales Rally GB on Twitter@walesrallygb, join the conversations on Facebook at www.facebook.com/walesrallygb or visit the website www.walesrallygb.com.

NEWS: Wales Rally GB In Full: Night stages, great value, family-friendly spectator stages & Welsh classics

Wales Rally GB chiefs say they've laid on a "fitting finale to the 2013 FIA World Rally Championship, with 22 challenging special stages and 196-miles (316Km) in the classic Welsh forests" – including challenging night stages in Snowdonia on Thursday evening – as they have today revealed full details of the 14th-17th November WRC round, now based in North Wales. It's like the good old days (just without Killer Kielder!).  

Making it even more great news, the only UK-WRC event is now supported by a completely revised ticketing structure offering fans even better value and more flexibility (with stage, day and event tickets on sale at lower prices than 2012), not to mention family-friendly spectator stages at Chirk Castle and Kinmel Park, as part of an exciting new 'Rallyfest' venue program aiming to "bring one of the world’s most spectacular sports to a wider, family audience." 

As previously announced, the UK’s concluding round of the FIA World Rally Championship is moving to a new headquarters in Deeside with a spectacular ceremonial start at Conwy Quay on Thursday early evening and the finish in Llandudno on Sunday, following a dramatic final competitive timed section on the Great Orme.
Harking back to "the good old days," the WRC crews face three tricky timed special stages – Gwydyr, Penmachno and Clocaenog – in darkness on Thursday, none of which has featured on the rally route for more than 15 years. Then after an overnight stop in Deeside, Friday sees the crews back on more familiar ground tackling two runs through the Welsh gravel classics of Hafren, Sweet Lamb and Myherin special stages either side of a remote service in Newtown where the public can watch the highly trained technicians preparing the state-of-the-art rally cars for further high speed competition.
Saturday’s stages are set slightly further north closer to Dolgellau starting with two blasts through Gartheiniog and Dyfi forests ­(the latter restored to its full 13.4-miles length for the first time since 1998). A mid-morning regroup in central Machynlleth will provide the public with another great opportunity to see the world’s top rally drivers and cars up close.
The teams then return to Deeside, first via another 13-mile classic Welsh forest stage in Dyfnant and finally taking in the first of two new spectator stages set against the dramatic backdrop of Chirk Castle, which dates back to 1295 and is now in the ownership of the National Trust. Located close to the A5 near Wrexham, Chirk will be easily accessible for spectators from both sides of the border.
Sunday’s itinerary en route to the grand finale on the Great Orme sees second runs through both Dyfnant and Clocaenog forests – the latter being the official Power Stage where extra championship points are awarded – plus a first visit to Penllyn near Bala, another stage making a welcome return, this time for its first inclusion since 1991. The route back to Llandudno also features the second of the reintroduced short spectator stages, this time set in the grounds of Kinmel Park close to the A55 near Abergele in Conwy.
Kinmel Park along with Sweet Lamb on Friday and Chirk Castle on Saturday are designated special RallyFest Stages and all three will provide a package of day-long family entertainment. As well as seeing the WRC stars and cars in action twice, the three RallyFest Stages will include a big screen, catering village, public address commentary, special displays, a Rally Dome, on-stage shows as well as other attractions aimed at providing a full day’s entertainment for all ages.

"A massive amount of work has gone into moving the event to North Wales but we’re confident the final result is both worthy of all these efforts and a fitting finale to this year’s FIA World Rally Championship," said Andrew Coe, Chief Executive of event organiser International Motor Sports. "We have a well positioned new base in Deeside, great start and finishing locations in Conwy and Llandudno plus the re-introduction of a number of legendary Welsh forest stages which will appeal to both competitors and hardcore rally fans. On top of that we have found two exciting new venues at Chirk Castle and Kinmel Park close to major road networks that will, I’m sure, help us to attract a whole new generation of rally followers."

Lower prices!

Prices of adult admittance to individual forest stages on the day have been reduced to £15 (from £20 in 2012) while Day Passes have been re-introduced providing multiple stage access for just £33 including the Qualifying Stage at Llandegla on Thursday morning. Moreover all adult tickets include a free programme priced at £7.50. The popular ‘Kids for a Quid’ scheme has been extended providing those aged between 9-15 years old with a four-day ticket giving access to all 22 stages for just £1. Those aged eight and under are admitted free. Though included in Day Passes, individual tickets for RallyFest Stages are also available priced at £25 with significant discounts available for families. The price for two adults and two children, for example, is £42 with an extra £1 for each additional child. Full details can be found on the official www.walesrallygb.com websites, now with a dedicated version optimised for mobile phones viawww.walesrallygb.com/mobile/home.php.

For further updates follow Wales Rally GB on Twitter @walesrallygb, join the conversations on Facebook at www.facebook.com/walesrallygb or visit the website www.walesrallygb.com.

And look out for our extensive coverage of the new-look event in a Rally GB special of Road Magazine later this year. And of course plenty of video here on the blog, and even more on our social media platforms: Facebook & Twitter.  Can't wait!