Move to north Wales sees huge numbers of spectatorsFitting finale to the 2013 FIA World Rally ChampionshipFull car parks raise £42,500 for local charities
The revitalised Wales Rally GB has been hailed a huge success by all involved in the organisation of the UK’s concluding round of the 2013 FIA World Rally Championship.
The move to a new base in Deeside took this year’s event (14-17 November) back into what are seen as the spectacular sport’s heartlands in north Wales, reintroducing many of the classic competitive special stages that haven’t featured on the itinerary since the halcyon days of the old RAC Rally.
These significant revisions resulted in a bumper entry from eager competitors plus a massive upsurge in fan interest as a result of which the legendary Welsh forests were alive with more than double the number of fans seen in recent years. Adding further to the sense of occasion, more than 20,000 enthusiasts of all ages visited the busy Service Park in Deeside, the road sections between the timed stages were lined with thousands of passionate spectators many waving Welsh flags and the official Start and Finish Ceremonies were greeted with packed streets in Conwy and Llandudno.
“Relocating the event in north Wales has been a massive success,” confirmed Andrew Coe, Chief Executive of rally organiser International Motor Sports. “It was fantastic to see such huge crowds whether deep in the forests or at the Service Park. Indeed, the large number of people trying to access some of the stages – notably on Saturday – took everyone by surprise. We have apologised to those who missed out and can assure all fans that we are learning lessons and already planning ahead to cater for even larger numbers in 2014.”
As well as announcing that the event’s huge popularity had helped to raise an impressive £42,500 for those local charities operating spectator car parks, Coe was equally delighted with the gruelling nature of the competitive route, which not only produced a very worthy overall winner but also showcased some promising young local talent.
“It seemed utterly appropriate that rallying’s new superstar, Sébastien Ogier, should finish his outstanding title-winning season with his first Wales Rally GB victory,” said Coe. “While we are obviously thrilled to have witnessed Ogier’s masterful performance in what were typically challenging conditions, it was another of our aims to use the event to encourage and inspire a new generation of top British rally drivers. So it was great to see rising Welsh rally stars such as Elfyn Evans, Tom Cave and Osian Pryce taking full advantage of the opportunity to prove their potential on the World stage. Hopefully they will be in a position to challenge Ogier in the years to come.”
The winner, and newly crowned 2013 WRC champion, was another full of praise for the new-look event. “It was a really good atmosphere, which is great for the event and championship,” enthused Ogier. “It’s the first time I have seen so many people on all of the stages, and the stages themselves are quite beautiful to drive, too.”
As the event’s principal funding partner, the Welsh Government took pleasure in seeing both the public’s considerable enthusiasm and in the introduction of several key Wales Rally GB initiatives.
Minister for the Economy, Science and Transport, Edwina Hart, said: “I’m delighted that the Welsh Government has been able to work in partnership with Wales Rally GB and that the new location and new-look rally have revitalised the event. In addition to a fantastic turn-out from the spectators, the Welsh Government also worked in partnership with the Welsh Automotive Forum to deliver ‘Autolink Wales’. The conference was attended by more than 120 delegates and 30 exhibitors and highlighted advanced technologies and specialist skills available in Wales which are used for British and foreign vehicle makers and suppliers. The new Welsh Government Directory of Welsh Motorsport Companies was also launched at the event.
“The Industry Awareness event organised by the Welsh Government Engineering Education Scheme Wales at the Deeside Service Park gave more than 700 school children, students and teachers an opportunity to visit a Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) themed exhibition and also to visit the Toyota Engine plant and the rally service park. The aim of the event was to inspire students to join the automotive industry in Wales which employs more than 15,000 people and is a £3 billion business with 150 key companies who supply goods and services around the world.”
