Wales Rally GB, one of the UK’s largest and most iconic motorsport events, has launched its plans for the 2010 event which will run from 11th – 14th November.
Announcements included an all new special stage, which will run in Cardiff Bay and a welcome return to the classic stage in Radnor Forest, near Presteigne, Powys.* The event will be the 13th and final round of the World Rally Championship and a chance for British fans to get up close to the sport on their doorstep.
This year’s Wales Rally GB route provides fans, families and those who are new to the world of rallying with the perfect mix of old and new. For the first time, Cardiff Bay will play host to a special stage which will run twice, on the evenings of Thursday 11th and Saturday 13th November. The timed test of speed and driver skill will run on the Cardiff Bay barrage and into the dock area. It will be ideal for those who want to enjoy the event in Wales’ vibrant capital, particularly young families, as public transport and parking are easily accessible.
For fans who revel in soaking up the nostalgia of this event, the rally will return to Radnor Forest for the first time in 11 years. The ultra fast 15.1 km stage will run twice on Saturday the 13th and promises rally followers plenty of high speed entertainment.
Other highlights include a return to the Royal Welsh Showground at Builth Wells for undercover remote service on the Friday and Saturday. Margam Park, near Port Talbot, will host the final two competitive stages on Sunday 14th.
For the second successive year, the main service park – the hub of the event – will be based in Cardiff Bay and access will be free of charge for everyone. It is here that fans will have a real opportunity to get up close to the drivers and teams as they race against the clock to service – and often repair – their rally cars.
Organisers have worked hard to keep ticket prices low and for the third year running, the popular ‘Kids for a quid’ offer will apply and has been extended further than ever to include all day passes, remote service and the Cardiff Bay special stage. Wales Rally GB is a great opportunity for families to enjoy a day of top class sporting fun together from as little as £42** for a family of four.
A World Rally Pass (WRP) still represents the best value for money for adults wanting to take in all four days of action. This pass gives access to all stages, including both runnings of the inaugural Cardiff Bay special stage, the spectator favourites of Hafren, Sweet Lamb and Myherin and the new Radnor stage. Also included is remote service, car parks and pre-event shakedown on Thursday. At just £99 the WRP is 34 per cent cheaper than it was in 2003 when the event became Wales Rally GB.
Andrew Coe, chief executive of event organiser, International Motor Sports Limited, commented: “This year’s Wales Rally GB is bigger and better than ever and the whole organising team, myself included, is delighted to be launching the event. To bring a special stage to the Welsh capital, in the beautiful setting of Cardiff Bay, is really exciting and will be great for fans, families and those who are completely new to the world of rallying. Add to this our return to Radnor Forest and competitive ticket prices – there’s not many sports at World Championship level that children can enjoy for just £1 – and the ingredients are there for a fantastic world-class sporting event that will do Wales and the UK proud.”
Speaking about Wales Rally GB’s impact on the region, minister for heritage, Alun Ffred Jones, said: "I hope the new elements in the event format will attract even more fans to the event this year. Wales Rally GB brings significant benefits to the local economy and it is fantastic news that the people within Wales will get to enjoy another world-class sporting event on their doorstep this year."
Cardiff Council’s executive member, for sport, culture and leisure, Cllr Nigel Howells, said: “Cardiff prides itself on being a top sporting venue and Wales Rally GB is one of the sporting highlights we host in the city. Each year the event goes from strength to strength and it’s fantastic to hear about the new special stage, which will be based in the vibrant location of Cardiff Bay.”
Plans to run additional national events on Wales Rally GB are in place and organisers hope to announce these shortly.
