Rally GB - 14-17 Nov 13

Daniel Mc Kenna the Billy Coleman Award Winner Relishing World Rally Challenge

Posted: November 15, 2013 10:08 AM

Daniel, co-driver Arthur Kierans and his team are in the final stages of preparation for their first ever world rally, Wales Rally GB this weekend. The recently crowned Pirelli Star Driver will use his Scanbitz Ltd and Ravenol Motoroil supported Ford Fiesta R2 on the mammoth event and is relishing the challenges he will face over the four days of competition.

Daniel received a free entry to the event from wining the R2 category in the BRC in conjunction with the road to Wales campaign and he hopes this will be the first of many world rally attempts in the future. An added bonus for Daniel is that the stages used in this year’s Wales rally GB will be of a similar nature to that he will face in the first round of the BRC in 2014, the Bulldog rally of North Wales. Some of the stages are actually in the same forests and as Daniel has never competed on the Bulldog rally in the past it will be key to become familiar with these forests for when Daniel will get behind the wheel of the Pirelli backed Citroen DS3 R3T for his 2014 championship assault.

Daniel, Arthur and the team will be coming directly from the BRC awards bash in Manchester where they will celebrate the seasons achievements before moving south to Wales tackle the 315 stage kilometres and 1200 road kilometres of what will be more of an endurance test rather that a test of pure pace. A WRC test is scheduled to take place on them Monday where Daniel and Arthur will attend and meet some of the Citroen Top Driver competitors to start learning about the Citroen DS3 set-up and get a better insight of what is expected to compete at that level on the world stage. Two full days of Recce follow this before the event starts on Thursday evening with three night stages. Daniel and the team have a very busy week in store with a lot to learn, but they are determined to enjoy the experience and end the year on a high.

Daniel will let you all know how the event unfolds with post-event press releases so keep an eye on his website, danielmckenna.net. In the meantime keep up to date on Daniel’s Twitter and Facebook pages for any updates over the coming rally week.

KUBICA TEAMS UP WITH HIRVONEN AND SORDO

Posted: November 11, 2013 2:41 PM

After a brief flirt with Spain last year, the World Rally Championship’s season-ending finale returns to its traditional home in Wales. With both titles wrapped up, all the competitors can go for it no holds barred, starting with the Citroën Total Abu Dhabi WRT crews. For Mikko Hirvonen/Jarmo Lehtinen and Dani Sordo/Carlos del Barrio, the end result will be the only target. Competing for the first time in the DS3 WRC of the Abu Dhabi Citroën Total WRT, Robert Kubica and Michele Ferrara will undoubtedly be the main attraction at this, the thirteenth and final round of the season.

Leaving behind its home for the last few years, in Cardiff and then Builth Wells, Wales Rally GB heads to the north of the country this year. Now based in Deeside, not far from Liverpool, the British event boasts a new course for 2013, combining stages used in recent years with tests that have not featured in the rally since the 1990s.

Drivers will need to show considerable staying power and look after their machines in the Welsh forests, because service periods have been cut to a bare minimum this year. Given the fact that the weather can be terrible at this time of the year, this rally has all the ingredients necessary to serve up a very special motorsport event!

Having competed in Wales ten times already, winning here in 2007, Mikko Hirvonen is one the event’s leading specialists. Currently fourth in the Drivers’ World Championship standings, Mikko can end the year in the top three provided he finishes among the leaders next weekend.

“After finishing on the podium five times this season, obviously I’d love to end the season with a win,” confirmed the Finn. “It’s a difficult rally, but I like the stages’ extremely fast roads. It’s exhilarating for drivers, although you have to be careful to keep out of trouble. At this time of year, we may well get the worst of the weather conditions, with fog and rain, and maybe even frost first thing in the morning. That can make braking of any kind pretty tricky, so you have to respect the course.”

Currently fifth in the overall standings, Dani Sordo is also keen to finish the season on a high:
“Obviously, this isn’t my favourite surface. I like gravel, but more so when the grip is consistent. In Wales, we’re often faced with a racing line that is covered in mud! But I’m not going to get too worried about it; my goal is just to try and achieve the best possible result. I proved once again in Spain that I could deal with slippery conditions. As is the case on all of the gravel rounds, you have to be on the pace from the word go on the qualifying stage in order to be able to choose a good starting position for the first leg.”

After winning five rounds this year, Robert Kubica secured the WRC2 title at the Rally de España. As a reward for his performances – which have been impressive on his debut season in international rallying – the Pole has been promoted to the Abu Dhabi Citroën Total World Rally Team. He will be competing in the no.10 DS3 WRC and will be looking to continue learning about the sport at this level.

THREE QUESTIONS FOR… ROBERT KUBICA

Taking your season in the DS3 RRC together with the rallies in which you have competed in various different World Rally Cars, does your experience mean that you can feel relaxed about switching to the DS3 WRC?
“I think it’s difficult to compare the races I have competed in so far in a WRC with Wales Rally GB! This will be my first time competing in a gravel event in top-level rally car. I still have a lot to learn about: the stages and the team, of course, but also my co-driver. There are lot of new things, but I’m looking forward to making the most of this opportunity.”

After having competed all year with Maciek Baran as your co-driver, you are actually going to team up with the Italian Michele Ferrara. Can you therefore just switch from one language to another?
“I’m not going to get into the details, but Maciek told me he wanted to stop after Rally de España. I don’t want to force anyone to drive with me, so I looked for the best alternative solution for this final rally of the season. Michele isn’t any more experienced than me, but he is very motivated for us to do well together. Although I have spoken Italian since I was very young, it won’t be easy to switch languages, especially as I have made extensive changes to my pace notes system this season. But we’ll just have to get on with it, and cope with it all as well as we can!”

You have finished in the top 10 of the overall standings five times with the ‘little’ RRC. What would you consider to be a good result here?
“Obviously, it would be great to finish in the points again, but I’m not aiming for a specific result. My goal is to rack up the miles and increase my knowledge of the WRC. Each rally in the World Championship has its own distinctive features. In Wales, I know that the combination of fast roads and extreme weather can make it very difficult, especially for an inexperienced driver.”

CITROËN TOP DRIVER – WALES RALLY GB – 14/17 NOVEMBER 2013 SECONDS OUT, FINAL ROUND!

Posted: November 11, 2013 2:40 PM

The final round of the World Rally Championship, Wales Rally GB will also mark the end of this year’s Citroën Top Driver series. And although the line-up for the race features no fewer than eleven DS3 R3s, only two crews still have a chance of claiming the title. Sébastien Chardonnet/Thibault de la Haye and Keith Cronin/Marshall Clarke are set for a fight to the death on the Welsh forests’ formidable gravel roads.

Having returned to its mid-November slot, no-one would be surprised if the British round served up the miserable conditions for which the rally is renowned and which might be summarily described as “cold, wet and muddy”. In addition to moving the service park to the north of Wales, there have been a few changes made to this year’s itinerary. The big classics such as “Hafren”, ”Sweet Lamb”, “Myherin” and “Gartheiniog” still feature but six new stages have been added, especially on Thursday with three brand new tests.

Current leader of the Citroën Top Driver standings, Sébastien Chardonnet admitted he’s looking forward to the race. “I’m on the verge of achieving one of my childhood dreams; it’s almost within my grasp but there’s still one race left to go, and what a race! With so many DS3 R3s competing, it promises to be a really good scrap. Thibault and I, we simply have to be up to the task. We have worked hard to prepare for this and we hope that the Citroën DS3 R3 will continue to be as reliable as it has been all season.”

The talented youngster, who secured the two-wheel drive World Championship title at the Rallye de France, has won once and finished as runner-up three times in the five rounds of the Citroën Top Driver contested thus far. Keith Cronin, his closest rival, is seven points behind him in the championship standings and, mathematically, is the only one who can still challenge Sébastien for the title. The Frenchman’s task will be all the more complicated as the Irishman will be competing on roads that he knows well.

“It’s going to be a great battle with Sébastien,” admitted Keith. “The conditions will be difficult and we know that this rally can throw up all sorts of challenges. The other crews competing in DS3 R3s will also be looking to get involved in the fight, which is going to pose even more problems for us but I really can’t wait for the rally to get started! Although I have never taken part in this rally, I have competed in other events in Wales and I have always liked this kind of terrain. The championship has been closely contested throughout the season and the last round will be exciting. The prize for the winner is very attractive and we’ll be giving our all to try and get the win.”

Currently third in the overall standings of the Citroën formula, Quentin Gilbert returned to winning ways with verve at the French round. Although he is no longer in the running for the title, Gilbert can still finish as runner-up if he produces a perfect performance in Wales.

Winner of this year’s Citroën Racing Trophy UK, the Finn Jukka Korhonen will line up for the rally with a simple target: test himself against an international field and get a feel for the pace of a World Championship event.

Lastly, two other French drivers will be completing the WRC 3 field. Winner of the first round of the Top Driver series, Bryan Bouffier will be competing on the muddy Welsh roads for the first time whilst Jean-Mathieu Léandri is set to experience a WRC event for the first time in the DS3 R3.

In the teams’ championship, Top Teams and Charles Hurst Citroën Belfast will be fighting it out for the title. Although there are 22 points separating the two outfits, the outcome of the championship is far from decided. Both teams will be entering two particularly sharp crews in the race, each of whom will be determined to pick up as many points as possible for their team.

“It’s all set up for a spectacular finale,” analysed an excited Marek Nawarecki, Customer Racing Manager for Citroën Racing. “Keith and Sébastien have demonstrated their potential throughout the season by finishing among the leading positions in their DS3 R3s. They have got yet another big test ahead of them in Wales and they’ll need to manage the pressure, the competition and the inherent difficulty of the rally. The fact that there are five other crews, mostly from the Citroën Racing Trophy UK and competing in DS3 R3s, will provide them with another obstacle to overcome. All that remains for us to do is to wish everyone the best of luck and… may the best man win!”

WALES RALLY GB PROUD TO HELP RAISE AWARENESS OF THE GARETH ROBERTS FUND

Posted: November 7, 2013 11:43 AM

This year’s Wales Rally GB (14-17 November) is proud to be supporting The Gareth Roberts Fund as the charity continues to grow and assist drivers and co-drivers who have been hurt in rally accidents.

The ‘Croeso Trophy in memory of Gareth Roberts’ once again will be awarded to the highest placed all-Welsh crew competing on the UK’s round of the 2013 FIA World Rally Championship. The special award is a fitting tribute to the Carmarthenshire co-driver who so tragically lost his life in an accident while competing in Sicily in June 2012.

At 24-years of age, Gareth – or ‘Jaffa’ as he was known to his many friends – was one of British rallying’s most talented up-and-coming young co-drivers.

An electrician by trade from the west Wales village of Nebo, between Bronwydd Arms and Llanpumsaint, Gareth enjoyed great success in the Fiesta Sport Trophy (with Elfyn Evans) and in the WRC Academy (with Craig Breen).

The dedicated co-driver was about to embark on the next step of his international rally career with Breen when a freak accident on the Targa Florio Rally took the life of the very popular Welshman.

Gareth actually won the Croeso Trophy on the 2008 Wales Rally GB, co-driving for former British Rally Champion Gwyndaf Evans (Dinas Mawddwy).

Soon after Jaffa’s untimely death, Wales Rally GB re-named the award the ‘Croeso Trophy in memory of Gareth Roberts’ in recognition of the respect that Gareth held within the motor sport community.

“We were all deeply saddened by Gareth’s death and thus we are wholeheartedly behind any initiative that honours his achievements and unfulfilled potential,” said Andrew Coe, Chief Executive of International Motor Sports, organiser of Wales Rally GB. “That he was such a passionate supporter of his home round of the World Rally Championship and, moreover, was a previous winner of the Croeso Trophy, makes this renamed annual award all the more poignant.”

Gareth’s brother Dai, together with fellow co-driver Phil Pugh (Tywyn, Gwynedd) established The Gareth Roberts Fund with the aim of raising donations to help drivers and co-drivers who have been forced to miss work because of rally-related injuries.

Andrew Edwards, Kevin Power and John MacCrone already have all been helped by the generous donations made by rally fans.

"Our aim is to keep the memory of Gareth alive, and we can do this through the Gareth Roberts Fund and help others in a way of which he would have approved,” explained Dai. “Phil [Pugh] and I will be working hard with the help of many others to continue the good work that has been done so far in his memory," said Dai Roberts.

A new website (www.garethrobertsfund.com) is being developed, while donations are welcome via these bank account details:

Branch sort code: 40-16-23?
Account number: 21626590

Sara Williams (Brecon) and her co-driver Patrick Walsh (Aberystwyth) won the Croeso Trophy in memory of Gareth Roberts on Wales Rally GB last year, after a great run in their Subaru Impreza.

Rally Hire Team Prepare for Olympic Effort on WRC Rally GB!

Posted: November 7, 2013 11:34 AM

Based in Moneyreagh, just outside Belfast, the Rally Hire team, run by Raymond Mason are currently preparing their Mitsubishi Evo 9 for WRC Wales Rally GB, where Olympic medallist Amy Williams MBE, will be swopping her Skeleton for the co-driver’s seat. Amy a gold medallist at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, has been learning the ropes in the passenger seat of a rally car this season, teamed up with Sky Sports F1 analyst and long-time rally driver Tony Jardine.

Just recently the pair completed the Cambrian Rally successfully in the Rally Hire Evo 9.
“My rallying knowledge is quite small and I’m trying to learn as much as I can in a very short time. I’m not going to learn everything overnight, but how much can I learn? That’s what I’m interested in finding out” commented Amy.

Swopping her 90mph Skeleton for a 100mph plus rally is a daunting experience, and also now she isn’t in control of the reigns.
“Tony’s the one driving, I’m on the pace-notes and there’s a relationship there, and we both rely on each other. It’s a team situation, with a driver, co-driver and of the mechanics also, so it’s a little different, but even in Skeleton you still have a team of coaches behind you I guess.”

Tony is highly complementary about the Bath girl’s progress in the hot seat.
"Amy has made fantastic progress in the short amount of time she has been rallying but co-driving is no easy task. She was pushed to the brink on the Colin McRae Forest Stages Rally recently when lots went wrong. Amy dug in and we ground out a good result. We’ve enjoyed success in the previous rallies and hope to do the same again on the Cambrian Rally."

In 2011 Tony Jardine successfully completed Rally GB in the same Rally Hire Evo 9, a fine 35th overall after a trouble free run. The Rally Hire team are putting in many hours in detailed preparation for this year’s four day event with 22 special stages, including many of the classics in North Wales. It all starts with night stages on Thursday November 14th and finishes on Sunday 17th.
“It’s great to work with Tony and Amy this year” comments Raymond Mason. “They are two professional people and both have a great attention to detail. Our priority is to give them the best car, and I think it will be a big challenge for Amy this event, but a challenge I’m sure she can master.”

Playstation, Gran Turismo 6, SkyBet, MIS Insurance and Kumho Tyres are amongst the sponsors of the team with the racing car pundit in the driver’s seat and the ice queen Amy in the passenger seat!

More details on the Rally Hire team can be found at www.rally-hire.com

Ford Fiesta R5 for Tom Cave on Wales Rally GB

Posted: October 22, 2013 11:23 AM

Welsh rally driver Tom Cave will return to four-wheel drive for his home round, and the season finale, of the FIA World Rally Championship next month, in a Ford Fiesta R5. Run by MSL Motorsport, Cave, who finished second in SWRC in 2012 for the works Proton Motorsports team, will drive one of the company's Fiesta R5s on Wales Rally of Great Britain in the WRC2 category.

After being invited to demonstrate the company's rental Fiesta R5 at Rallyday in September, the opportunity to contest the event in the car began to take shape.

Discussions with several sponsors, including Morris Lubricants, Tom's partner for the 2013 MSA British Rally Championship, generated sufficient funds for the 21 year-old to contest the event, partnered by regular co-driver Ieuan Thomas.

Commenting, Tom said;
"I am delighted that we have been able to put together a deal to drive the MSL Motorsport R5 Fiesta on Wales Rally GB. I am very excited to be getting back in a four wheel-drive car again - I drove the MSL Fiesta at Rallyday and it felt fantastic and we know from the WRC that the car is very competitive. So I can't wait to see what it's like on the Welsh stages.

"I am also looking forward to the event itself this year. I have been lucky enough to have been able to support the organisers during the year as they promote Wales Rally GB and know that it is going to be a phenomenal event.

"I know some of the stages quite well while others will be new to me but the format, the new event base in Deeside and finishing with the great Orme road will be amazing. It's going to be a superb way to end the WRC season and of course, for me personally."

More information regarding Tom's entry will be announced the coming days and weeks.

STAR-STUDDED ENTRY FOR WALES RALLY GB

Posted: October 22, 2013 11:22 AM

This year’s new-look Wales Rally GB has attracted a bumper, star-studded entry.

Now restored to its traditional position as the final round of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) and based at a new home in north Wales, next month’s showpiece event (14-17 November) will feature the cream of drivers and teams from right around the globe.

No fewer than 64 crews will contest the full four-day WRC rally, joining the capacity entry of 100 amateurs already confirmed for the pair of concurrent National rallies. The total field of more than 160 entrants will not only provide those entered with some fierce competition but also ensure plenty of thrilling excitement for tens of thousands of spectators.

The newly crowned 2013 World Champion Sébastien Ogier – who spearheads Volkswagen Motorsport’s three-pronged attack on its Wales Rally GB debut – tops the outstanding WRC entry. Two previous Wales Rally GB winners – Mikko Hirvonen (Citroën) and Jari-Matti Latvala (VW) – are also targeting further victories in the legendary Welsh forests.

Also contesting Wales Rally GB are former F1 driver Robert Kubica and Olympic gold medalist Amy Williams MBE neither of whom are strangers to success. Having proved himself in the lesser WRC2 category, Kubica steps up to a factory specification Citroën DS3 WRC for the very first time. Williams – who in Vancouver 2010 became the first British gold medallist in an individual event at the Winter Olympics for 30 years – swaps her history-making skeleton for the co-driver’s seat alongside Sky Sports News' F1 analyst Tony Jardine.

While there are no UK crews among the premier league Manufacturers’ entries, the WRC2 showcases the best of British talent with the experienced Mark Higgins joining two of the sports most promising future stars – Tom Cave and Elfyn Evans – in a trio of evenly matched Ford Fiesta R5s.

No fewer than nine local teams, where both driver and co-driver hold an MSA competition licence and a British passport, have taken advantage of significantly discounted entry fees (reduced to £1500 from £2598) aimed at encouraging more to gain World Championship experience.

Underlining the refreshed event’s truly global appeal, an amazing total of 26 nationalities are represented in the packed line-up with crews travelling from as far away as Japan, India, the Middle East and South America – all eager to pit their skills against the clock on what are widely regarded as some of the world’s greatest rally stages.

“We are thrilled that so many teams have taken up the challenge,” said Andrew Coe, Chief Executive of International Motor Sports Ltd, the organisers of Wales Rally GB. “The move to north Wales has been enthusiastically endorsed throughout the sport and, once again, that’s reflected in this year’s superb WRC entry which is double that of 2012. It was our stated ambition to make Wales Rally GB not just a fitting finale to the year long World Rally Championship but also an unmissable opportunity for British drivers to compete at the highest level. Looking down what’s an exceptional entry, I’m confident we’re well down the road to meeting those goals.”

The full 2013 Wales Rally GB WRC entry list can be obtained by clicking here and will be updated following last weekend’s concluding rounds of the British and BTRDA Rally Championships. As part of the successful Road to Wales initiative, prize winners from both will be rewarded with free entries into Wales Rally GB.

Fans wanting to follow what’s going to be a sparkling spectacle can take advantage of a completely revised ticketing offer. Adult admittance to individual forest stages – and the Great Orme showpiece – has been reduced to just £15* and the ‘Kids for a Quid’ scheme provides those aged between 9-15 years old with a four-day ticket including access to all 22 timed stages for just £1*. Full information on tickets can be found on the Wales Rally GB website at: www.walesrallygb.com.

* Terms and conditions may apply

Entry List

Posted: October 22, 2013 11:20 AM

Rally GB - 14-17 Nov 13 - ENTRY LIST

ROBERT KUBICA TO DRIVE A DS3 WRC AT WALES RALLY GB

Posted: October 15, 2013 9:48 AM

After a highly successful season in their DS3 RRC, Robert Kubica and his co-driver Maciek Baran will compete in the top-flight category at the final round of the world championship. Thanks to the support of Citroën Racing and Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi, they will line up at the start of Wales Rally GB in the DS3 WRC of the Abu Dhabi Citroën Total World Rally Team.

With four category wins from the six rallies in which he has competed, Robert Kubica can rightfully feel pleased with his debut season in the World Rally Championship. The Polish track racer has overcome a genuine challenge in winning at extreme and varied international events in the DS3 RRC. Currently leading the WRC2 championship standings, he will be trying to seal overall victory later this month at Rally RACC Catalunya, where second place would be enough for him to win his first world title. Wales Rally GB, which until now wasn’t part of his programme for this year, will provide him with the perfect opportunity to put his skills to the test in rally’s top-flight category.

“Such a fantastic performance is worthy of our trust,” commented Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi, who welcomed the opportunity to offer his seat to a famous and worthy driver. “Robert’s fine result this year are down to his hard work and determination. We know he will do a great job in representing the Abu Dhabi Citroën Total World Rally Team,” he added.

Convinced by the qualities of the Pole, Yves Matton (Citroën Racing Team Principal) detailed the reasons behind this choice, entirely in keeping with the team’s policy for showcasing promising drivers:
“In my discussions with Robert, we agreed that he would move up to the next category if he won the WRC2 title. It’s true that as things stand, he hasn’t won the title. But even if he doesn’t win it in Spain, he has still had a very successful season. He is therefore perfectly entitled to have a go at Wales Rally GB. There is no doubt that his motivation and professional attitude mean he can set his sights on securing a good result.”

“This one-off outing for the works team is a great opportunity for me, but it’s also a huge challenge,” revealed Robert. “Wales Rally GB wasn’t part of my original programme, so I’m very happy to be able to have this precious experience. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my partners for this season, who have made this possible.”

CAPACITY CROWD AS AMATEURS RUSH TO COMPETE ON WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP STAGE

Posted: October 14, 2013 2:42 PM

Next month’s refreshed Wales Rally GB (14-17 November) has attracted a full capacity line-up of amateur crews all eager to pit their skills against the world’s best on the legendary Welsh forest stages.

As previously confirmed a pair of National Rallies is being run alongside Britain’s concluding round of the 2013 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). Both two-day and three-day formats have proved incredibly popular with potential competitors – indeed both are now completely sold out.

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.”

Indeed spectators on Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be treated to a dazzling selection of rally cars which make up the National entry list. These include proven rally favourites like the Subaru Impreza and Mitsubishi Evo as well some great classics from past eras such as a Porsche 911, Lotus Cortina and Austin Healey 3000.

Further interesting entries come from Race2Recovery, which is fielding no fewer than three competition prepared Land Rover Freelanders. Formed in 2011 by a team of predominantly injured servicemen, Race2Recovery aims to inspire those who are disabled and simultaneously raise money for the Help for Heroes charity.

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.

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 15 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.

* Terms and conditions apply to all ticket prices.

LOCAL COLLEGE HOSTS SCRUTINEERING

Posted: October 14, 2013 2:39 PM

The bond between Wales Rally GB and Welsh educational establishments has been further strengthened following confirmation that official scrutineering for the final round of this year’s FIA World Rally Championship will be performed at Coleg Cambria Deeside.

Coleg Cambria Deeside is conveniently situated close to the revitalised event’s new WRC Rally Service Park which is being built alongside the Toyota hybrid engine factory in Deeside.

As well as being located nearby, the College’s Vehicle Maintenance Workshops are fully equipped with no fewer than eight vehicle lifts. This will ensure that the scrutineers have all the required facilities to check that the cars competing in both International and National Rallies conform to the FIA’s strict technical regulations.

Maximising the opportunity, students will be actively encouraged to engage with the World Rally Championship’s presence inside the College. A special viewing area will be available for them within the workshop while Engineering and other interested students will be provided with special insights into what’s one of the world’s most exciting and technically advanced sports.

Marshall Clayton, Coleg Cambria Deputy Director of Engineering and Automotive said:
“We are delighted to be hosting the scrutineering for Wales Rally GB in our automotive workshops. It will be a great opportunity for our students and staff to be involved in such a prestigious event.”

Staging the official scrutineering at Coleg Cambria is the latest in a series of educational initiatives being introduced to capitalise on Wales Rally GB.

A special Industry Awareness event is being organised at the WRC Rally Service Park providing students with the opportunity to find out more about design, manufacturing and technology while a rally-based design competition is open to all secondary schools and colleges throughout Wales.

WALES RALLY GB: ENTRIES NOW OPEN

Posted: September 12, 2013 10:37 AM

Official entries have opened for competitors wishing to compete in Wales Rally GB, the UK’s concluding round of the 2013 FIA World Rally Championship.

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.

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.

For those looking for a slightly shorter challenge, there’s a choice between two different National events. 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. 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.

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.

“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,” reported Andrew Coe, Chief Executive of rally organiser International Motor Sports. “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.

ROAD TO WALES CONTENDERS SET THEIR SIGHTS ON A PRIZE DRIVE

Posted: September 4, 2013 8:52 AM

ncreasing opportunities for national drivers, Wales Rally GB organisers, International Motor Sports Ltd (IMS), is running a ‘Road to Wales’ initiative in 2013 which will give eight talented rally drivers the chance to compete on classic Wales Rally GB stages, between 14-17 November.

The top three finishers in the overall MSA British Rally Championship as well as class winners in both British Junior and RallyTwo Rally categories will all be offered free entries into the concluding round of the 2013 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). Additionally, the winner of the NGK Spark Plugs BRC Challenge will be awarded a free entry into the three-day National Rally that runs alongside the WRC event in the legendary Welsh Forests.

Currently, Jukka Korhonen from Finland leads the BRC ahead of Tom Cave (from Gwynedd), with Alastair Fisher (based in County Tyrone) and Jonny Greer (from Belfast) tied in third place in the championship standings. Daniel McKenna (County Monaghan, Ireland) heads the RallyTwo Championship table, as Benjamyn McKay (Oswestry, Shropshire) leads the charge in the British Junior category and Russ Thompson (from near Clitheroe in Lancashire) has collected the most points so far in the BRC Challenge.

Wales Rally GB also has a similar partnership with the British Trial and Rally Drivers Association (BTRDA). The REIS-Get Connected BTRDA Rally Series is the most popular Championship in the UK with over 260 registered contenders this year, and incorporates selected rounds of the MSA English Rally Championship and Pirelli MSA Welsh Forest Rally Championship within its nine round Series.

The crew that captures the premier Gold Star Championship will be rewarded with a free entry into the three-day National Rally (15-17 November) being run alongside Wales Rally GB. What's more the winners of the BTRDA Rally First Championship - a class for lower cost two-wheel-drive production cars - will receive a free entry into the two-day version of the National Rally (16-17 November) once again running on exactly the same classic Welsh forest stages as Wales Rally GB.

Charlie Payne (Harrogate, North Yorkshire) is the leading Gold Star Driver in the championship standings after the seventh round, and James West (London) is currently in the running for winning the Rally First series.

“I’m watching the BRC and BTRDA leader boards in anticipation, as we edge closer and closer to Wales Rally GB, which is now just 10 weeks away! With the two national series nearing their end of season, it’s exciting to see which names will be potentially lining up on the same forest stages as the leading WRC competitors,” said Andrew Coe, Chief Executive of IMS.

BRC Managing Director, Mark Taylor, commented:
“It’s a pleasure to be working with the Wales Rally GB organisers in an even closer capacity this year, to promote rallying in the UK. Providing incentives to our drivers to compete at a higher level on the WRC stage is the best way to open up the sport and encourage more people to participate, whether it be competing or spectating. The competition is very close in this year’s BRC, and our drivers will be fighting it out to try and make sure they get one of the valuable starts in Wales in November.”

BTRDA Championship Coordinator, Steve Gregg, said: “We are looking forward to seeing two of our BTRDA competitors taking up this superb opportunity to compete within a world-class event, at the pinnacle of rallying. As our Championship is now heading towards its penultimate round, we wish our drivers in contention for the Wales Rally GB drives all the best and I personally can’t wait for what will be a truly classic WRC event in North Wales.”

For general admittance, Wales Rally GB adult tickets 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. The World Rally Pass is available for just £99 (down from £130 in 2012). 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.

Stena Line extends BRC ferry deal for Wales Rally GB

Posted: August 13, 2013 12:23 PM

Stena Line has extended its fantastic 20% discount offer with the MSA British Rally Championship (BRC) to include the BRC end of season awards night (9 November) and Wales Rally GB (14 to 17 November).

The extension has been organised as part of the BRC and Wales Rally GB's 'Road to Wales' campaign, in which the organisers of the final round of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) have offered free entries to the BRC's category winners at the end of the season.

Since several Irish competitors are in the running to win the prizes and this year's rally is based mainly in North Wales, close to Stena Line's Holyhead and Liverpool terminals, Wales Rally GB is keen to engage with other Irish competitors, marshals, media and motor sport fans.

This is another example of growing cooperation between the promoters of the UK's premier rally championship and Wales Rally GB which has already seen the final round of the 2013 World Rally Championship being promoted at BRC events this season.

BRC Manager Mark Taylor said:
"I want to thank Stena Line for their ongoing support; it is really appreciated by everyone in the rally sport community.

"Around thirty percent of our competitors are from Ireland, so it makes sense to include the BRC's Manchester awards ceremony and Wales Rally GB in the Stena Line deal.

"It's also worth reminding everyone that the deal is not only open to all competitors, irrespective of whether they are BRC registered or not, but it is also available to marshals and motor sport fans travelling across the Irish Sea."

Andrew Coe, Chief Executive of Wales Rally GB event organiser International Motor Sports, commented:
"This is another very positive step in the increasing cooperation and collaboration between IMS, organisers of the UK's round of the WRC, and the promoters of the UK's premier rally series.

"We are delighted to be able to announce this Stena Line offer in association with the BRC, which provides an added incentive for rally fans, competitors, media and marshals in Ireland to attend Wales Rally GB.

"The journey from Dublin to Conwy, Wales Rally GB's ceremonial start location, via the Stena Line route can be completed in just four and a half hours! We look forward to welcoming Stena Line's customers to North Wales in November."

This excellent offer is valid for any of the four Stena Line Irish Sea routes in both directions. There is then the option of booking Stena Line's Economy, Flexi or Premium motorist fares (terms and conditions vary for each).

For full details and to make a booking (before the offer deadline of 18 October), visit: http://www.rallybrc.co.uk/competitors/ferry-bookings.html

Valid dates:
18-26 August (Todds Leap Ulster Rally)
23 Sep - 1 October (Rally Yorkshire)
13-21 October (Rallye Sunseeker)
8 - 20 November (BRC Awards & Wales Rally GB)

Sailings from:
Cairnryan - Belfast
Liverpool - Belfast
Holyhead - Dublin
Fishguard - Rosslare

Rally Guide 1 / Website / Details

Posted: July 17, 2013 11:36 AM

• Rally GB