News Stories
Classifieds
Shop
TV Guide
LinksRALLY GREAT BRITAIN [P] WRC - 16-18 Sep 05
Posted: September 15, 2005 6:35 PM - 12254 Hits
Wales Rally GB - 15-18 September 2005
Round 12 - 2005 World Rally Championship
- Live Results & Live Rally Radio:
Wales Rally GB
Posted: September 15, 2005 6:35 PM
- Gallagher Set For New Challenge
- Rally Radio Returns to WRGB
on 87.7 FM, Sky channel 907 and via WRGB website. - Meeke bonds with S10
- McRae prepares for WRGB Shakedown near Swansea…
…following test with Skoda World Rally Team in Scotland.
Colin McRae testing in Scotland on Tuesday...
- Latest News
Gold Seats in Millennium Stadium sold out!
All Saturday Day passes now sold.
Additional World Rally Passes released
Ford’s new high-performance Fiesta to star in Millennium Stadium.
World Rally Championship decided in Wales? - Meeke gets WRC opportunity
- Some of the Irish Entries
- COLIN McRAE CONFIRMED FOR WALES RALLY GB IN SKODA FABIA WRC
- Camera….Lights…. Action! - Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium
- AMATEUR DRIVERS SNAP UP WRGB GUARANTEED ENTRIES. - Ulsterman Christopher Boyce first amateur Entry
- Entries Open for 2005 Wales Rally GB.
- MONEY - SAVING ACCOMMODATION PACKAGE FOR EVERYONE INVOLVED IN WALES RALLY GB
- Reduced entry fees for ALL amateur drivers.
- Indoor Special Stage in Cardiff's Millennium Stadium for 2005 Rally GB
- Guarantee places for 40 non-professional rally drivers
12/09/05 Gallagher Set For New Challenge
Donegal driver Shaun Gallagher sets off this week to compete in Round 12 of the World Rally Championship the Wales Rally GB on 16th – 18th September. Fresh from his recent successes on the domestic scene Shaun is relishing the opportunity to compete against the best in the world.
Wales Rally GB is also a round of the Production WRC and the main priority for Shaun this weekend is to gauge the level of competition and the pace required to compete against the top runners.
Shaun will driving a Mitsubishi Evo VI, which is significantly behind the newer and more sophisticated rally cars that he will be competing against. However the young Letterkenny driver is not letting this phase him "There is no way I will be able to match the times of the top boys, our car is nowhere near their pace but the objective of the rally is not to win but to compete and to learn something new on every stage"
Shaun will be partnered on this event by experienced co-driver John Bennie who has competed on this event a number of times. With the backing of Mullen Express Transport, Kelly's Toyota, Kumho Tyres and The Pallet Network the whole team are excited about the prospect of competing in a round of the World Rally Championship.
12/09/05
Rally Radio Returns to WRGB
on 87.7 FM, Sky channel 907 and via WRGB website.
Rally Radio on 87.7 FM returns to Wales Rally GB after a two year absence with a week-long schedule and programme content to interest everyone.
The service goes “On Air” at 08.00 on Monday 12th and will provide 16 hours of broadcasting each day (08.00 to 24.00) until Sunday 18th September.
In addition, the service will be broadcast throughout the UK and parts of Europe on SKY TV channel 907 and throughout the world via the official Wales Rally GB website – www.walesrallygb.com
Rally Radio studios will be based in Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium and in the Service Park at Swansea Rally Centre at Felindre.
Small pre-tuned radios will also be on sale at Walters Arena (Special Stages 3 and 6) on Friday, at “Dixies” (Halfway Special Stages 9 and 12) on Saturday and at Margam Park, (Special Stages 15 and 17) on Sunday.
“Certainly our coverage will appeal to the many thousands of rally fans who visit the event, but it will also provide traffic reports and other news which will be of interest and use to the local communities on the rally route”, says Gary Champion, Head of News at GlobeCast, who are providing the service.
“We intend it to be an interactive Radio service and will encourage everyone to input news from the special stages and reports on traffic flow – although in recent years traffic management has ensured free flowing access to all the rally car parks. The dedicated telephone number for listeners to call us is 07980 71 70 75. And there is a prize for the best news report from a listener”
“This year Rally Radio will more than just rally reports, with more general features on what’s on in Wales during the rally and activities supporting the event”
GlobeCast are already serving the motoring and motor sport listener with Autosport Radio and have provided reports from the Le Mans 24 hour race, Silverstone and the British Rally Championship.
Rally Radio presenters include South Wales’ Aimee Dewitt and London Radio professionals Richard Midson (LBC) Paul Owens (London Radio).
Andrew Coe, Chief Executive of IMS, organisers of Wales rally GB, said
"GlobeCast Radio has been very innovative in its approach to coverage of Wales Rally GB, their enthusiasm and willingness to get very involved in promoting the event and a wealth of new ideas like podcasting and their full-time channel on Sky means that we'll reach bigger audiences than ever before.
We have already enjoyed unrivalled coverage in the build up to Wales Rally GB on GlobeCast which is extending the reach of the event to many more listeners than has ever been possible in the past."
- Live Radio and other Raly news:
Wales Rally GB
09/09/05
Meeke bonds with S10
Colin McRae Motorsport driver Kris Meeke is spending this week familiarising himself with the Subaru Impreza S10 which he will be driving on Wales Rally GB. Britain’s round of the World Rally Championship starts in Cardiff on Thursday 15th September.
Kris had a seat fitting on Monday and did a shake down at Mira on Tuesday. He is testing on Thursday and Friday taking advantage of his time at Prodrive this week to learn more about the workings and preparation of the customer specification Impreza S10. The RED World Rally Team will run the car and Kris’s bid is being technically supported by Prodrive.
“This really is a golden opportunity. I don’t know how competitive I will be in a World Rally Car. I know that when I enter a round of the Junior World Rally Championship that I will be challenging for the lead and setting fastest times in the Super 1600 class. I just have to wait and see how it goes. I will be as prepared as I possibly can and hope to provide those that have invested in me a good result,” said Kris Meeke.
More Details:
09/09/05
McRae prepares for WRGB Shakedown near Swansea…
…following test with Skoda World Rally Team in Scotland.
Colin McRae will officially “Shakedown” his Skoda World Rally Car prior to Wales Rally GB on Thursday 15th, near Swansea, following his first public appearance with the car in Scotland on Saturday (10th September).
The 3.9 kilometre “Shakedown” stage is adjacent to the Swansea Rally Centre at Felindre, which is also the Service area throughout the four day rally. Access to the Shakedown stage is via a park and ride service which operates from Felindre, reached via Junction 46 of the M4.
Combined admission to Shakedown and the Service Park is available with either a Thursday Day Pass (priced at £15 for adults, £7.50 for children aged 9 to 15) or a World Rally Pass (costs from £89 per adult without Millennium Stadium access, £44.50 per child aged 9 to 15). Accompanied children under 8 are admitted free. The Adult price includes one copy of the full colour official souvenir Programme, with a cover price of £7.50.
Included in the Thursday Day Pass is use of the shuttle bus service which runs between Felindre and the Shakedown stage. Buses start at 07.00 and run every 10 minutes. Shakedown for Manufacturer Team drivers is from 08.00 to 11.00 and continues until 14.00 for all other entrants.
Alternatively, access to the Swansea Rally Centre at Felindre on the gate, where the cars will return after each run of the Shakedown stage and seven times from Friday morning until Sunday, costs £5 per adult – a 50% reduction on the 2004 admission price. Child reductions apply. Access is included in the World Rally Pass and Day Passes.
Colin McRae will be partnered on WRGB by Abergavenny’s Nicky Grist, who last competed with the 1995 World Champion on the Rally of New Zealand in 2002.
* McRae recently completed a three-day test with the Skoda Team, clocking up a total of 700 kilometres. On the second day of the test the 37 year old Scot covered 350 kilometres – equivalent to a full World Championship Rally – at an average speed of 127 kph. (NB; the winners average speed on 2004 WRGB was 106.18 kph).
06/09/05
Latest News
Gold seats for the world’s first indoor special stage in Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium on Saturday 17th September are now all sold – nine days before the start of Wales Rally GB on Thursday 15th September.
Bronze seats in the North Stand and Silver seats in the middle tier are still available.
North Stand seats are £10 per adult with two children (under 15) FREE.
Additional Child tickets are £5 each.
Silver seats are £12 for adults, £5 for Children.
All seats give a panoramic view of the figure-of–eight timed stage on the Stadium floor and the displays of stunt riding and driving which begins at 5.15 pm. (Doors open at 5.00pm).
Saturday Day Passes and single stage passes for “Dixie’s” have sold out but Day Passes for Friday 16th and Sunday 18th are still currently available.
Friday Day Pass (£35) offers a choice of three stages, each run twice. Entry to the renowned Walters Arena in Rheola Forest is also available as a Single Stage Pass priced £20 per adult.
Sunday Pay Pass (£25) allows access to two stages, each run twice, including the easily accessible Margam Park, just off junction 38, M4. Margam Park – the final competitive section before the rally finish on Sunday - is also available as a Single Stage pass, priced £20 per adult.
All the above Day and Single Stage Passes are half price for 9 to 15 year olds. Under 8’s go free.
The four-day, all inclusive World Rally Passes (£99 per adult, half price for Children 9 to 15. Under 8’s free) were on the verge of selling out two weeks before the rally start. However, by increasing car park capacity additional Passes have been released.
Ticket orders placed after Monday 5th September can only be collected from either the Cardiff Indoor Arena (CIA) in Mary Ann Street, Cardiff (5th to 12th September) or from the Millennium Stadium (13th to 17th September).
Ford’s new high-performance Fiesta to star in Millennium Stadium.
Stunt driver Paul Swift, 26 year old son of Guinness Book record holder Russ, will demonstrate the capabilities of Ford’s new 130 mph Fiesta ST with a display of two wheel driving, hand-braking and power-sliding during the show which precedes the 7.00 pm Special Stage in the Millennium Stadium on Saturday night. The 90 minute show begins at 5.15 and will also feature Motorcycle stunt rider Jamie Squibb and – never before seen outside the USA - a flying car.
Coincidence?
Rally fans who recently received a WRGB promotional decal – which prominently features the number “12” - assumed the event organisers were giving particular recognition to the entry of Scotland’s Colin McRae and Abergavenny’s Nicky Grist, who will carry rally number 12 on the doors of their Skoda Fabia World Rally Car.
In fact, the “12” denotes Wales Rally GB as the 12th event in the 16 round World Rally Championship.
But maybe this is good omen for the 1995 World Champion and three times Rally GB winner who returns to what he describes as his “home event” after a two year lay-off.
World Rally Championship decided in Wales?
If Citroen’s Sébastien Loeb wins Wales Rally GB and his nearest rivals fail to score he could retain his World crown - with four events still to run.
The 37 year old Frenchman has won eight of the previous 11 rounds and is 32 points ahead of Finland’s Marcus Grönholm and 38 clear of Norway’s Petter Solberg. If these two fail to increase their current scores and Loeb wins Wales Rally GB he will retain his Driver’s World Championship title.
Loeb has yet to win in Wales. On the other hand Gronholm (Peugeot) won in 2001 and Solberg, partnered by Welshman Phil Mills, is aiming, with Subaru, for a fourth consecutive victory since 2002.
29/08/05
Meeke gets WRC opportunity
After competing in the Junior World Rally Championship for the past three years driving Super 1600 cars, Kris Meeke has been given a golden opportunity to drive a Prodrive Subaru Impreza S10 WRC on next months Wales Rally GB.
This will be Kris’s first competitive outing in a World Rally Car and it will be a very steep learning curve for the young Ulsterman. Kris and co-driver Glen Patterson are hoping to have two days of intensive testing in the car in the lead up to the event to enable them to set the car up to their liking and to acclimatise themselves to the high speed environment of a WRC car.
Kris is currently lying in fifth position in the Junior World Rally Championship with three events remaining. However once the compulsory dropped scores take effect he is confident that he can mount a formidable challenge for the 2005 JWRC title. His next competitive outing is Rallye Deutschland on 25th August.
Irish Entries in Rally GB Include:
Crews: Kris Meeke/ Glen Patterson (Subaru Impreza WRC)
Niall McShea/ Gordon Noble (Subaru Impreza GpN)
Shaun Gallagher/TBA (Mitsubishi Lancer)
Christopher Boyce/ Pascal Dillon (Honda Civic Type -R)
Gerard Sharkey/ Gary Cooney (Honda Civic VTi)
Co-Drivers Michael Orr with Antony Warmbold (Ford Focus WRC)
David Moynihan with Sebastian Ling (Subaru Impreza GpN)
Full Entry List on:
12/08/05
COLIN McRAE CONFIRMED FOR WALES RALLY GB IN SKODA FABIA WRC
McRae tested a Fabia WRC on asphalt prior to last year’s Catalunya Rally in Spain but Wales Rally GB will be the first time the 37-year old Scotsman from Lanark will experience the four-wheel-drive, 300 BHP Fabia in competition.
“Rally GB is obviously very special to me, so I am very much looking forward to competing on my home event and giving the fans something to cheer. This is an opportunity for me to utilise my experience to help the Škoda Motorsport World Rally Team develop the Fabia WRC 05 in a positive way for the future. Although I have not competed in a World Rally Car since Rally GB 2003, the team have put together an extensive testing programme which will give me the opportunity to evaluate the Fabia and have it set up to my liking. It will also allow myself and Nicky to get ourselves up to speed before the event itself,” said Colin.
The Czech Republic-based Skoda Motorsport Team has nominated Colin for both the WRC Driver’s and Manufacturers points. He will be teamed with Germany’s Armin Schwarz, another veteran of over 100 WRC events, who is in his fifth season with the Skoda team.
Commenting on his success in securing McRae, Joan Sureda, Škoda Motorsport Team Manager said: “I’m very happy that we have the chance to bring Colin back to the WRC on this event because we know that he was keen to return to the championship. He has a lot of experience on this rally which we will find very useful for our future development. I’m sure that the fans will be as excited about Colin’s appearance as we are.”
Since taking a temporary retirement from the WRC at the end of 2003, McRae has contested four Rally Raids, finishing 20th on his Paris-Dakar debut last year before winning the Baja Portalegre in Portugal. He also contested the 2004 Le Mans 24 Hour race, where he finished third in the GT Class.
Nicky Grist, who first contested Rally GB in 1984 and has won it twice since (1993 with Juha Kankkunen [Toyota] and 1997 with Colin McRae [Subaru]) is equally enthusiastic about contesting his home World Championship event. “I am really looking forward to Wales Rally GB. We are determined to give Skoda the best result we can and we are taking the job seriously. But on the other hand I am sure the event will be a lot of fun for us. After 16 years of traveling the world from event to event the one big difference with Wales Rally GB will be seeing friends, family and the people who have supported me and Colin over many years – that will give me an extra buzz. With the news of our entry only a few hours old I am already heartened by the number of people who tell me they are coming out to watch.”
McRae became Britain’s first-ever World Rally Champion when he won the title in 1995. His career includes 25 WRC event wins (a total beaten only by Spain’s Carlos Sainz with 26) and three outright wins on Rally GB (1994, 1995 and 1997). Having contested 143 WRC events to date he will be the most experienced driver in the entry when he starts the Cardiff-based rally next month.
08/08/05
Camera….Lights…. Action! - Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium
Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium. host to the world’s first indoor rally stage on Saturday 17th September, will also be the setting for a 90 minute all-action show featuring stunt riding and driving, together with 70mph Formula 1 hovercrafts.
Before the first of the World Rally Championship teams start the timed stage at 6.59pm, spectators will be entertained by internationally renowned stunt riders and drivers. These include Jamie Squibb, the UK’s number one Motocross freestyle rider and Russ Swift, holder of three Guinness Book world records.
In addition to tyre-smoking action on the Stadium floor the audience will also be the first outside the USA to see a car defy the laws of gravity. A car, in the livery of Wales Rally GB, will literally take-off, hover and then fly at upper-seating level around the Stadium.
“People will not believe their eyes” said Andrew Coe, Chief Executive of Wales Rally GB. “We aim to put on a truly entertaining evening for everyone, not just rally fans. With tickets priced from £10 for one adult accompanied by up to two children (under 15), the three and a half hour programme of entertainment represents excellent value. This is an opportunity for everyone to see world class motorsport and entertainers in a world class venue.”
The 1.1 kilometre rally stage, run over a figure of eight course, will feature live commentary and interviews, split times and on-going rally results and positions.
A purpose-designed ramp will induce rally cars to be airborne when they come into spectators view, moments after starting the timed stage.
Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium will open its doors at 5pm. The last car, in a potential entry of 120 cars, is expected to complete the stage at approximately 10.00 pm
Tickets for the Millennium Stadium can be purchased;
• on-line from www.walesrallygb.com
• By telephone; 0870 060 1764.
• In person from Cardiff Indoor Area Box Office, Mary Ann Street, Cardiff (until 6pm 12 September)
• At the Millennium Stadium (Gate 3) from Tuesday 13 to Saturday 17 September (until 8pm).
27/07/05
AMATEUR DRIVERS SNAP UP WRGB GUARANTEED ENTRIES. - Ulsterman Christopher Boyce first amateur Entry
Ulsterman Christopher Boyce was the first of 20 amateur drivers to submit his entry forms and claim one of the 40 guaranteed places. The 39 year old from Strabane has entered in a 2000cc Honda Civic in the Production category.
Brothers Steve and Tony Graham were the first of four crews to take advantage of the reduced entry fee for drivers of 1400cc cars. Driving a MG ZR, they stand to save £550 on the already reduced amateur entry fee of £1,250 + vat. Steve, from Mere, Cheshire, is a newcomer to Wales Rally GB but has the benefit of his older brother’s considerable co-driving experience.
Drivers from New Zealand and Australia were also quick off the mark to secure their entries. Both Tony Green (NZ) and James Gloster (AUS) have opted for Production versions of the Subaru Impreza and – interestingly - chosen Welshmen as co-drivers. (Green; Bill Robertson, from Dolgellau. Gloster; Darren Garrod from Pwellheli).
The driver with the most Rally GB experience is Gavin Cox from Grindleford, who makes his 23rd appearance since 1982. The 45 year old motor engineer is partnered by his regular co-driver Tim Hobbs from Telford. Hobbs - who will celebrate his 49th Birthday on the first full day of competition (Friday 16th) - first competed on the event in 1991 and has participated 11 times since. They are driving a Mitsubishi Lancer, prepared by Cox.
The “Elder Statesman” and another long-distance traveller to the Cardiff-based event is 61 year old Harold Morley. Originally from Manchester, Harold is now living in Barbados. Like his New Zealand and Australian rivals, he is entered in a Production category Subaru Impreza.
The entry capacity for Wales Rally GB has been increased from the 2004 maximum of 90 to 120 cars.
Entries close on Wednesday 10th August.
Entries Open for 2005 Wales Rally GB.
Reduced entry fees and guaranteed places for amateur drivers.
Printed Regulations will be posted to all competitors who participated in the 2004 event.
Prospective new entrants can request regulations by calling the rally office on +44 1753 765100 or by email to rallygb@msaevents.co.uk
Entry fees for all amateur entrants are lower than 2004 levels, despite a 15% increase in Forestry Commission charges. The standard Amateur entry fee has been reduced from £1,800 to £1,750 plus vat. Drivers of cars with an engine capacity up to 1400cc stand to make the biggest saving: their entry fee has been reduced by £550 to £1,200 plus vat. This is designed specifically to encourage younger drivers.
To help save costs further, Kuoni has created the all new “Rally Village” at Swansea University. This 2 star accommodation will offer single room, en-suite accommodation with cooked or packed buffet breakfast for only £28.50 per person per night with a minimum stay of two nights.
Encouraged by the 91 applications for the 90 places available last year, Wales Rally GB organisers have been successful in applying to the FIA for permission to increase the entry capacity to 120 cars – with 40 places guaranteed to amateur drivers, on a first come, first served basis.
Entries close on 10th August.
Wales Rally GB is the 12th round of the 16 round FIA World Rally Championship. The Welsh Development Agency, supported by the Welsh Assembly Government, has been the title sponsor since 2003.
Britain’s biggest motor sporting event, now in its 61st year, is organised and promoted by Rally GB Ltd, a division of International Motor Sports (IMS), the commercial arm of the Motor Sports Association (MSA).
-
Regulations, Entry Form and Further Details on
Wales Rally GB
18/05/05
Kuoni, the official travel partner of Wales Rally GB, are offering Competitors a money-saving accommodation package to compliment the recently announced reduction in event entry fees.
The all new 'Rally Village' at Swansea University will offer single room En-suite accommodation with cooked or packed buffet breakfast at 28.50 per person per night. Accommodation is 2-star rated and the only stipulation is a minimum stay of two nights.
In addition rally teams will have the benefit of secure free parking and the services of an on-site Kuoni representative.
'We are looking at a number of ways to make September's Wales Rally GB more attractive to amateur teams, so by teaming up with travel market leader Kuoni we are able to offer affordable accommodation in one central location, making the event as much a social occasion as a sporting one', said Fred Gallagher, Clerk of the Course.
Swansea University is approximately 10 minutes drive from the Service Park and Swansea City Centre.
This accommodation package is also available to Marshals, Media representatives and Spectators.
Details of the comprehensive range of tailor-made packages for individuals, groups and corporate guests can be found on or by calling +44 870 950 9390.
18/05/05
|
2005 WALES RALLY GB
|
||
|
PROVISIONAL ROUTE AND TIMETABLE
|
||
|
(Version 1 - March 2005)
|
||
| Thursday 15th September | ||
| Ceremonial Start, Cardiff | 19.30 | |
| Friday 16th September | ||
| Service Park Out (Swansea) | 07.00 | |
| SS 1 | Brechfa 1 | 07.58 |
| SS 2 | Trawscoed 1 | 08.39 |
| SS 3 | Rheola 1 | 10.42 |
| Service A (Swansea) | 12.10 | |
| SS 4 | Brechfa 2 | 13.38 |
| SS 5 | Trawscoed 2 | 14.19 |
| SS 6 | Rheola 2 | 16.22 |
| Service B & Parc Fermé In (Swansea) | 17.40 | |
| Saturday 17th September | ||
| Parc Fermé Out & Service C (Swansea) | 09.00 | |
| SS 7 | Crychan 1 | 10.31 |
| SS 8 | Epynt 1 | 11.09 |
| SS 9 | Halfway 1 | 11.44 |
| Service D (Swansea) | 13.25 | |
| SS 10 | Crychan 2 | 15.16 |
| SS 11 | Epynt 2 | 15.54 |
| SS 12 | Halfway 2 | 16.29 |
| SS 13 | Cardiff | 18.58 |
| Service E & Parc Fermé in (Swansea) | 20.18 | |
| Sunday 18th September | ||
| Parc Fermé Out & Service F (Swansea) | 07.00 | |
| SS 14 | Resolfen 1 | 07.58 |
| SS 15 | Margam 1 | 08.56 |
| Service G (Swansea) | 10.07 | |
| SS 16 | Resolfen 2 | 11.25 |
| SS 17 | Margam 2 | 12.23 |
| Finish | Cardiff | 14.10 |
| The timetable is provisional and subject to change. | ||
27/04/05
Reduced entry fees for ALL amateur drivers.
£550 saving for drivers of cars up to 1400cc.
Amateur drivers will benefit from substantial reductions in entry fees for Septembers Wales Rally GB especially those driving cars with an engine capacity up to 1400cc.
The entry fee for the majority has been reduced from the 2004 level of 1800 + vat to 1750 + vat, with drivers of cars eligible for classes N1 and A5 being offered the opportunity of participating in Britain’s round of the World Rally Championship for 1200 + vat.
This incentive is further boosted by an offer from the organisers to guarantee 40 of the available 120 places - on a first-come-first-served basis - to amateur drivers of all Nationalities who submit a completed entry form and the appropriate fee by the closing date. Entries open on 22nd June and close on 10th August.
“We believe the stars of the future are drivers from these classes, so we need to encourage them all we can. Both Colin McRae and Richard Burns started their careers in cars with a small engine capacity”, said Clerk of the Course Fred Gallagher.
In addition to reducing entry fees, rally organisers International Motor Sports have also absorbed a 15% increase in Forestry Commission charges for the use and preparation of their gravel roads for special stages.
All amateur drivers can participate in the two-day route reconnaissance and will be allocated a reserved area in the Service Park at the Swansea Rally Centre. They will also enjoy a comprehensive package of event documentation, including Official Programmes and Guests passes.
As in previous years, all UK based amateur drivers will benefit both before and during Wales Rally GB from a professional publicity service which provides news releases and daily event reports to their local media. This service, unique in the World Rally Championship, is provided free of charge by the event media service.
Wales Rally GB starts in Cardiff at 19.30 hours on Thursday 15th September and returns to the Welsh capital for the ceremonial Finish, at 14.10 hours on Sunday 18th.
Wales Rally GB is the British round of the FIA World Rally Championship. The Welsh Development Agency, supported by the Welsh Assembly Government, has been the title sponsor since 2003.
This annual event, now in its 61st year, is organised and promoted by Rally GB Ltd, a division of International Motor Sports (IMS), the commercial arm of the Motor Sports Association (MSA), the governing body of motor sport in the United Kingdom.
Photograph: Left to Right; Paul Sergeant, General Manager, Millennium Stadium, Andrew Davies, Welsh Assembly Government Minister for Economic Development and Transport.
23/03/05
Cardiff's Millennium Stadium will set a precedent during Wales Rally GB when it hosts the first ever indoor Special Stage in the 2005 World Rally Championship on Saturday 17th September.
Cars will start the 1 kilometre timed test from the basement of the Welsh Rugby Union building and literally leap into view over a purpose-built jump before completing a figure of eight course on the concrete floor of the Stadium.
For spectator safety and better viewing, the lower tier of the Stadium - scene of the spectacular Wales Grand Slam victory last Saturday - will be removed, but still allowing a potential all-seated audience of 51,000 to see world rally cars in spectacular sideways action at one minute intervals, on the Saturday evening.
Andrew Davies, Minister for Economic Development and Transport said, "I am delighted that the Millennium Stadium will play a key role in one of the most important events in the motor sports calendar. This national icon of Wales has already played host to a wide range of major sporting events, including the FA Cup Final and the Rugby World Cup, and is internationally recognised as a fantastic venue and representative of a confident, dynamic and outward looking country. The decision to hold a key stage of this year's Wales Rally GB at the Stadium will increase our international profile even further."
The "Cardiff Stage" - one of 17 timed to-a-tenth-of-a-second special stages in this year"s 1249 kilometre rally - is scheduled to start at 18.58 hrs on Saturday 17th September.
Councillor Nigel Howells, Cardiff Council's Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture said, "As host city, Cardiff is looking forward to welcoming Wales Rally GB back this year and we're delighted that this year's event will include one of the most unusual stages in the 2005 World Rally Championship. The Millennium Stadium has really helped put Cardiff and Wales on the map, and has built a fantastic reputation for hosting a wide range of sporting events, but a WRC stage will be one of the most challenging and is sure to provide plenty of dramatic action for spectators - and drivers - to enjoy. This year's Rally also looks like being one of the biggest in the 2005 World Rally Championship in terms of entries, and we're hoping that more spectators than ever before will come to South Wales, particularly the Stadium, to enjoy the action."
Andrew Coe, Chief Executive, IMS commented, "On behalf of the organising team of Wales Rally GB I am delighted that we have been able to secure the use of the Cardiff Millennium Stadium, which is a truly world-class spectator facility, for the 2005 event, which will take place between September 15th and 18th. This initiative, which will take the World Rally Championship into a covered arena for what we believe to be the first time in its history, will allow us to introduce rallying to new audiences and help secure the future development and growth of the sport within the UK. It is a hugely exciting development for Wales Rally GB."
Wales Rally GB, round 12 of the 16 round Word Rally Championship will again be an all-ticket event. Ticket prices for the Millennium Stadium and the other 16 special stages, run on Forestry Commission and M.O.D land, will be announced in April.
Increased entry capacity provides 40 guaranteed places for non-professional rally drivers from the UK and worldwide.
The governing body for world motor sport, the Federation International De L"Automobile (FIA) have approved a request from Wales Rally GB organisers to increase the entry capacity, previously capped at 90 cars, to 120 for 2005.
"This will allow us to accept and guarantee places for 40 non-professional rally drivers alongside the six professional Manufacturer teams who are registered for this years World Championship. To compete on Britain"s round of the FIA World Rally Championship is aspirational for many UK drivers. Now all drivers with an International competition licence can be confident if they submit their entry form and entry fee on time, there will be a place for them." said Fred Gallagher, Clerk of the Course.
Wales Rally GB starts in Cardiff at 19.30 hours on Thursday 15th September and returns to the Welsh capital for the ceremonial Finish, at 14.10 hours on Sunday 18th.
Topics:
Rally GB
Upcoming