Free access to remote Remote Tyre & Fuel Zone brings spectators to The Garden of Wales - Wales Rally GB 16 - 19 September 2004

Wales Rally GB is bringing spectators even more opportunities to get close to the action on this year’s event, as well as providing access to another part of the beautiful scenery in Wales.  A new Remote Tyre and Fuel Zone in the Garden of Wales, a stunning Botanical Garden in Carmarthenshire, has been created for 2004 Wales Rally GB.

Entrance to the designated area will be free, giving spectators an unrivalled view of the teams, cars and drivers.  And it promises to be a hive of activity, following the change in regulations for this year’s World Rally Championship.  Only 2 mechanics are allowed in the tyre change zone, to change the tyres and use only equipment on board the vehicles to do any repairs.  Plus, with the limit on the number of mechanics, spectators are likely to see the drivers and co-drivers pitching in with the mechanics to get the cars ready for the next stage of the Rally.

And once the excitement of the Tyre Change and Refuel is over, spectators will be able to visit the rest of the Botanical Gardens for some alternative tranquillity.  The Garden of Wales is the first national botanical garden to be created in the UK for 200 years and was a Millennium project. Set in the former 18th century regency park of Middleton Hall, the garden features a range of landscapes, including woodland, a bog garden and a historic double walled garden. The 538 acres estate is set to become home for the Wales Rally GB teams making re-fuelling stops between stages.

Andrew Coe, Chief Executive of Rally GB Limited comments, “The Garden of Wales is a remarkable venue for the Remote Tyre and Fuel Zone, offering a unique vantage point from which to see the cars and drivers at close quarters. We are sure the excitement will not only draw rally fans, but also visitors to the garden keen to see what all the buzz is about. After seeing the cars go through, rally fans will be able to buy tickets to the outstanding gardens beyond, making it a spectacular day out with a difference.

“Wales Rally GB is an event that mixes extraordinary natural beauty with the thrill and excitement of motor sport and we are always looking at ways to enhance the spectator experience. The Welsh landscape brings its own character to this world class event and we are committed to helping rally fans get the most out of their visit to Wales.”