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 Family Fun

Wales Rally GB is getting closer – November 14-17th – and the UK’s concluding round of the 2013 FIA World Rally Championship not only features a new home in north Wales but also an exciting new competitive route, with plenty on offer for hardened rally fans naturally, but also lots of family-friendly fun too.
The family-friendly fun includes:
• Three new RallyFest Stages aimed at wowing wider audiences
• Special spectator experiences at Chirk Castle and Kinmel Park
• Discounted ticket offers for families booking in advance
The action-packed, four-day schedule includes 22 competitive special stages and features the re-introduction of some classic timed sections in the legendary Welsh forests and around the Great Orme. It will also see the inclusion of some exciting new venues aimed at taking what’s one of the world’s most thrilling and dramatic high speed sports to new audiences.
Stages at Sweet Lamb in Powys on Friday, Chirk Castle near Wrexham on Saturday and Kinmel Park in Conwy on Sunday have been designated as special RallyFest Stages. As well seeing all the top class rally cars in spectacular action twice during the day, all three RallyFests will provide a wide range of facilities and entertainment not traditionally found in the forests.
Setting out to appeal to those spectators either new to rallying or planning to attend with young children and looking to spend the entire day in one location, RallyFest Stages will include a big screen with live coverage, catering village, live commentary, on-stage and static displays of historic rally cars, a chance to win some great prizes plus a range of other attractions to entertain those of all ages. Visitors can also enjoy live music from bands, with The Establishment among those performing at Chirk Castle while The Gramotones will be keeping the crowds entertained at both Sweet Lamb and Kinmel Park.
Further enhancing the experience, significant discounts are available for families attending these RallyFests. Individual adult tickets are priced at just £25*, but the special family offer for two adults and two children, if booked in advance, is an even more affordable £42* with an extra £1* for each additional child. Every adult RallyFest ticket also includes a free programme normally priced at £7.50.
“The move to north Wales has not only allowed us to refresh the entire event but also to make the sport far more accessible to a totally new audience – these family-friendly RallyFest stages are designed to do just that,” said Andrew Coe, Chief Executive of event organisers International Motor Sports Ltd. “Sweet Lamb has always been a very popular viewing spot for rally enthusiasts but Chirk Castle and Kinmel Park are totally new venues.
“More importantly both are close to major road networks and thus just a short drive from large conurbations in Wales and the North West of England such as Manchester and Liverpool,” continued Coe. “Rallying has always had enormous appeal in the UK; it wasn’t so long ago that more than a million people would watch the RAC Rally. Now these new RallyFest Stages will help the sport to re-engage with some of those former fans as well as excite a whole new generation of avid followers.
“All-comers will be treated to some fast-moving, mind-blowing action in Kinmel Park while the more compact Chirk RallyFest is going to be a ‘must see’ family-friendly attraction. Not least as it’s set against the ancient 14th Century ramparts with day-long, high octane entertainment the likes of which the historic National Trust property will never have seen before in its 700year history!”

Discover more here.

NEWS: Wales Rally GB Entries Now Open With New 4, 3 & 2 Day Entries From £600!

Entries for the only-UK-based WRC round – Wales Rally GB 14-17th November – are now open, offering new full (four day), three day and two day entries, from its new North Wales base at Deeside – from £600! 

And, to further encourage more local faces to enter the stella event, and take on the WRC giants, there's a great chance for amateurs to compete in the FIA World Rally Championship, special discounts for local competitors, with all entries accepted on a first come, first served basis... so get involved!
As previously announced, rally crews are being offered three different options to pit their skills against the sport’s elite on this year’s revitalised Wales Rally GB (14-17 November) now based in north Wales:
1. More ambitious entrants can tackle the full four-day WRC event featuring 196-miles of timed sections starting in Snowdonia after dark on Thursday evening. To encourage local teams to gain World Championship experience in the legendary Welsh forests, the organisers are offering a significantly discounted entry fee reduced (£1500 from £2598) for crews where both driver and co-driver hold an MSA competition licence and a British passport.
And for those looking for a slightly shorter challenge, there’s a choice between two different National events. 

2. The 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. 

3. And the shorter two-day National Rally commences on Saturday morning and shares the same route as the on-going three-day event – this includes the two exciting new RallyFest stages at Chirk Castle and Kinmel Park as well as the historic Great Orme. Adding to the high octane World Championship atmosphere and ambience, teams contesting the National Rallies will be based at the new WRC Service Park in Deeside and finishers will receive their trophies on the newly designed, high-profile WRC Start/Finish Podium in Llandudno on Sunday afternoon.
Wales Rally GB say: "As well as giving amateurs a fantastic 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 provided that includes four guest passes that allow access to the whole event. Competitors are also being offered a dedicated low cost hospitality facility to entertain crew, family, friends and sponsors within the Deeside Service Park."
And reported Andrew Coe, Chief Executive of rally organiser International Motor Sports added: "The comprehensive changes we’ve made to Wales Rally GB have been met with widespread enthusiasm from competitors and fans, so we are expecting lots of interest from potential entrants. 

"There are not many sports where amateurs can compete alongside world champions – rallying is special in that respect and we are keen to encourage as many teams as possible to maximise this great opportunity to be part of the high-profile WRC show. What’s more all three alternatives being offered offer great value for money plus the chance to compete on some of the world’s best gravel stages.” 

There are a limited number of entries available for the two National Rallies and initial priority – on a first come first served basis – will be given to those entering the three-day event. The final closing date is Friday 1 November and competitors can enter on-line via the ‘competitors’ navigation on the official www.walesrallygb.com website.

Great value way to take on the likes of Yari-Mati, Mikko, Sebastian, Kris and all the top names, cars and teams in WRC... and make history, for great value entry fees. GO FOR IT!

 

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 "Village" Success @ Cholmondeley Pageant of Power

Wales Rally GB's "village" – rammed with amazing WRC and BRC stars and cars – at last weekend's Cholmondeley Pageant of Power proved a huge success with the crowds.
The event gave rally fans "a taste of the excitement to come in North Wales on 14-17 November, at Wales Rally GB" – and details of the new course in North Wales and the lower ticket pricing.
Taking centre stage, was Colin McRae’s 1996 WRC Subaru Impreza (which we have featured in this issue of Road Magazine) and his 1999 Safari-winning Ford Focus. During his hugely successful career, McRae's outstanding performance whilst at the Subaru World Rally Team enabled the outfit to win the World Rally Championship (WRC) Constructors' title three times in succession in 1995, 1996 and 1997.
Also on display in the Wales Rally GB Village was Jari-Matti Latvala’s 2010 Ford Focus, in which he finished on the podium in Wales Rally GB that year, a newly launched 2013 Ford Fiesta R5 from M-Sport, and over 20 iconic Group B cars.
Fans at the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power wanting to take in the thrills of rallying from watching the on-track action, were treated to a Wales Rally GB demonstration on the 1.2 mile course on each day of the event. The driver line-up included Elfyn Evans, winner of the 2012 FIA WRC Academy (the one-make feeder series to the WRC) and British Rally Championship (BRC) stars Tom Cave, Benjamyn McKay and Alex Parpottas, all showcasing young British rallying talent.
Andrew Coe, Chief Executive of Wales Rally GB event organiser International Motor Sports, said: “It has been fantastic to see so many attendees at the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power visiting the Wales Rally GB Village. Rallying is such a unique form of motor sport, and one of the most spectacular to watch, which is why we are making every effort to ensure that this year’s Wales Rally GB is both easily accessible and affordable, for everyone.
A Wales Rally GB spokesman said: "This weekend we wanted to bring a slice of the action to all of those located near to North Wales, to truly demonstrate what Wales Rally GB, as the finale and only British round of the 2013 WRC, has to offer. We are continually trying to find ways to engage with our spectators, enabling them to get up close and personal with the current WRC and BRC stars and cars. In addition, we’ve had our new start and finish podium on display this weekend, along with some phenomenal historic rally cars. From the feedback we have already gathered, the Wales Rally GB Village, new to Cholmondeley this year, has been well received."
In less than five months time, Wales Rally GB, totalling 22 timed special stages and 196-miles (316kms) of fiercely fought competition over four-days, will be well underway from its new base in Deeside.
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 via www.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 see our image gallery from the event on our Facebook page.