FIA ADAC Rallye Deutschland PreviewADAC Rallye Deutschland, the ninth round of the FIA World Rally Championship, marks a return to sealed surface competition.

This is the first true asphalt round of the series and is characterised by three distinct surfaces which give it the label of ‘three rallies in one’ and the uncertainty of the weather, potentially a deciding factor for success.

Based in the Roman city of Trier, Rallye Deutschland is a magnet for thousands of fans from across Europe and in addition to the World Rally Championship contenders, spectators will be treated to fast and furious competition through the field from the FIA WRC 2 and FIA Junior WRC crews too.

While all the crews will be vying for honours, Volkswagen Motorsport – on home soil – has the potential to clinch a Championship title. If the team manages to defend a 172 point lead, the Manufacturers’ Championship title will remain with the Wolfsburg-based outfit for the second consecutive year.

THE 2014 ROUTE

In general, the 2014 Rallye Deutschland route will be familiar to the crews although a number of stages are run in the opposite direction or have minor modifications. New this year, however, is the 16.40 kilometre Waxweiler stage, and the famous Panzerplatte stage has considerable modifications.

The closing 19.27 kilometre Power Stage – Grafschaft – will be broadcast live on Sunday.

RALLY DATA

Total distance:1,305.79 kmStage distance:326.02 km (24.97%)Number of stages:18