Media duo to tackle dramatic landscape, sub-zero temperatures and precarious conditions in Arctic Lapland RallyAs the dust settles on one of the most successful years ever for British sport, Daily Mail sports columnist Des Kelly and Skys motor sport expert Tony Jardine are planning to kick 2013 off in style, flying the flag for Team GB as the only British entry in the Arctic Lapland Rally (25-26 January). Renowned for its dramatic landscape, sub-zero temperatures and precarious conditions, the Arctic Lapland Rally is one of the toughest challenges in international rallying. Taking place over two days, the media duo aim to complete 796.66km, including 10 special stages over 243.32km, in a Production Class Subaru N14, provided by Rally Promotion Finland. However, with organisers promising a real Finnish winter rally and temperatures forecast to fall as low as -30 degrees centigrade, the adventure promises to be a battle to survive, as much as finish. The prospect of being severely tested by the harsh environment and weather has not deterred co-driver Kelly or amateur driver Jardine, but rather re-kindled their sense of adventure. The British duo first competed together in 2000 when they experienced the extreme highs and lows of rallying; the elation of successfully completing a round of the World Rally Championship, but also a horror crash which resulted in Des being pulled unconscious from the wreckage and the intervention of a rescue helicopter.  I cant wait to tackle the Arctic Lapland Rally with Des, said Jardine. If the driving conditions and sub-zero temperatures arent enough, well be up against some of the best rally drivers in the world, including twice IRC Champion and VW works driver Andreas Mikkelson, so this will be a huge challenge for us. We are the only British entry too, so well be flying the flag for Team GB.We have an intense week ahead of us, recceing the stages and adapting to the harsh conditions. The Arctic Lapland Rally, based in Roveniemi, travels deep into the Arctic wilderness. It has a savage beauty which is why this rally is not just about driving; well also have to learn basic survival tips. If you go off you can be stranded for hours in the icy wilds, so well be regularly checking our equipment and making sure we have basic survival kits with us. Both Des and I will be kitted out in Alpinestars special fireproof suits and thermal underwear, specifically designed for rallying in these conditions.Co-driver Kelly will have a considerable amount of work on his plate over the next week. When hes not mapping out the special stages, planning or competing, the Daily Mail columnist and talkSPORT presenter will be filing updates from the Arctic for the Mail newspaper and website. This is a chance to get inside a story, said Kelly. Its always a privilege to report from a sports event, but to have the chance to actually step inside and participate is a rare experience. A lot of work and investment goes into a rally like this. It's a special challenge. Sponsors PlayStation3 are helping us film the event for television and MIS Motorsport have not only joined the team, but theyve mapped out my personal insurance, toowhich is a precaution you have to take stepping into something as potentially dangerous as this.While Jardine and Kelly focus on preparing themselves for the rally, ProSpeed Groups Olly Marshall will co-ordinate the teams efforts with Rally Promotion Finland Team Principal Jarkko Miettinen. Miettinen will be spearheading a multi-car operation in the rally, so Marshall will be responsible for refreshing Des Kellys rally navigation skills. He has also worked with key supplier Grand Prix Racewear to customise Des Alpinestars suit and ensure his vital intercom system is working in his new Arai helmet. But his big task will be to help the crew keep the rally car on the road and to guide Team GB to the finish. The high snow walls and tight forest tracks leave no margin for error, so the teams support and expert knowledge will be crucial to overall success. The adventure is also being backed by Pirelli, who have supplied special spiked tyres for the event. Pirelli has enormous experience of producing tyres to cope with all types of conditions, and Jardine is looking forward to testing them out, We will be touching speeds of nearly 90 mph on the Special Stages in Finland, driving on the limit over thick snow and ice. Pirellis advanced technology and the spikes on our tyres will provide exceptional grip, giving us the confidence we need to hit the stages flat out.The teams Arctic Lapland Rally experience is set to be broadcast on Sky Sports. Dates and times will be announced in the near future.