Wales Rally GB Clerk of the Course Iain Campbell believes the decision to add asphalt roads to the gravel stages will spice up this week’s action.
A new British law which allows public roads to be closed for use during motorsport events has allowed organisers to create new stages and develop a fresh itinerary in the forests of North Wales.
“Some sections of the public roads are very narrow and tighter than the forestry tracks. So, we’re confident they’re going to cause a challenge to the crews – especially as they’ll be running on gravel tyres and gravel-specific set-ups,” Campbell predicted.
Speaking to wrc.com, Campbell said the updated itinerary wouldn’t have been possible in previous seasons.
“For years, we’ve never been able to get crews back to mid-day service [in Deeside] because of all the mileage in Mid-Wales. The addition of closed public roads means we can have more stage mileage in North Wales and fit in a service as well,” he explained.
A 4.12km stretch of asphalt has been used to link the former Brenig and Alwen stages on Friday, creating the 29.13km Brenig test – the longest of the rally.
Friday’s Penmachno and Sunday’s Gwydir (Live TV Power Stage) tests also contain asphalt sections, while sealed-surface roads will be used in the centre of seaside town, Llandudno, to create a spectacular end to the rally on Sunday.
- Source: WRC
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