WA L E S R A L L Y G B . C O M
contents
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s a f e t y i n f o r m at i o n m a k e t h e m o s t o f y o u r d ay F i r s t t i m e s p e c tat o r g u i d e useful advice and infoRMATION event tickets overview map i n t e r n at i o n a l a n d n at i o n a l t i m e ta b l e 14 R a l ly V i l l a g e a n d f i n i s h i n f o r m at i o n
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The s ta g e s 16 18 19 20 22 23 24 26 28 29 30 31 32 34 36 37 38
T H U R S D A Y S TA G E S M A P SHAKEDOWN SS1 VISIT conwy TIR PRINCE F R I D A Y S TA G E s M A P SS2+SS5 Myherin SS3+SS6 SWEET LAMB SS4+SS7 HAFREN S A T U R D A Y S Ta G E s M A P SS8+SS15 Aberhirnant SS9+SS16 DYfnant SS10+SS12 Gartheiniog SS11+13 dyfi S S 1 4 T o y o t a R a l ly f e s t a t Cholmondeley Castle S U N D A Y S ta g e s M A P SS17+SS20 alwen SS18+SS21 BRENIG SS19 gwydir
Elfyn Evans Want to know what it's like to drive Dayinsure Wales Rally GB? Elfyn Evans, who grew up a stone's throw from the course and has won the event in WRC2, gives his verdict on the trickiest parts of the stages. All information correct at the time of going to press (September 2017). Spectators are strongly advised to check www.walesrallygb.com for updates before leaving for the rally. Published on behalf of Dayinsure Wales Rally GB by Motor Sport Magazine Ltd,. 18-20 Rosemont Road, London NW3 6NE. Tel: 020 7349 8497. www.motorsportmagazine.com
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spectator safety Rally cars can do the unexpected so, for your own safety and that of others, please: • • • • • •
Respect the marshals and follow their instructions Observe the colour-coded tape and all signage Use the natural environment to protect yourself Don’t walk on the rally stage Stay standing and remain alert Remember that alcohol and drugs can impair your responses and threaten your safety
O n t h e s ta g e • • • • •
DANGER NO SPECTATORS BEYOND THIS POINT – means what it says Look after yourself and don’t place yourself or others in danger Plan to be in your chosen location 45 minutes before the first car is due Look after your children No dogs unless disabled-assistance dogs
The FIA Safety Delegate will expect everyone to be in location when they come around, this will be 30-40 minutes before the first car is due. The Safety Delegate and/or the Organisers can and will cancel stages if people are not standing in appropriate places.
Environment • • • • •
We want everyone to enjoy the event, to have fun and to go home safely. Please pay attention at all times and take responsibility for your own safety – and that of others.
Take your litter home or put it in the bins provided No fires or barbeques The ground WILL be uneven – it is a forest, tread carefully No fireworks Follow the countryside code
Suspicious items • • • • • •
Please ensure you keep your belongings with you at all times. Do not leave bags etc lying around if you move to a different viewing area. If you see an unattended or suspicious item: Do not touch Try to identify an owner in the immediate area If you still feel it’s suspicious or you feel concerned, don’t be embarrassed or think anyone else will report it Report it to the nearest marshal whether in a tabard near you or a radio marshal in their car. If it is before the competitors have started, please stop one of the safety cars and advise them of your concerns Move away to a safe distance – ideally at least 100m
REMEMBER – if you think it’s suspicious – say something
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make the most of your day A r r i v e at t h e B i k e s Motor, trail, quad and car parks in bikes are not p l e n t y o f t i m e mountain permitted on the rally stages Availability at any stage car park will be on a first come, first served basis and is not guaranteed – even for World Rally Pass holders. To avoid disappointment, spectators should arrive at their chosen car park in plenty of time. Check what time the car park opens – some open the night before the stage goes live. Arriving a couple of hours before the stage starts is not usually sufficient time to guarantee a space.
Wrap up warm
Please make sure you dress to take full account of the weather. As you may be arriving or departing in the dark, please remember to bring a torch with you. Also remember to wear sturdy footwear for typical forest conditions. Please be aware that the weather in our new October date is often glorious but it can also be wet and extremely cold, especially for the early morning and late afternoon stages.
Dogs
Please do not bring your dogs to the event as they can be startled by the loud noises and cause a danger to others – disabled-assistance dogs only are permitted (on leads at all times).
or in the spectator areas. Please do not attempt to access the rally by bike.
Drones
Please do not bring drones to the rally as their use is expressly prohibited on or near any part of the event, the stages or service area. Marshals will be empowered to ground any drone that attempts to fly during the event and if required the stage itself will be stopped.
selfie sticks and action cameras
Use of selfie sticks and action cameras (such as GoPros) is not forbidden however spectators are reminded to use these in a sensible manner without putting themselves and others at risk. Action cameras must not be placed on the rally route where they are likely to get hit by cars.
Litter
Please take all litter home with you or place it in the skips or black bags provided for this purpose. Do not leave it in the forest.
Fires and fireworks
Please do not light fires or barbeques or bring fireworks to the event. They can cause serious incidents for other spectators or competitors and can also damage the forest.
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spectator guide
WHERE TO GO
If you are visiting the event for the first time or just want a recommendation on where to catch the best action, you can check out these great stages: Friday: Head to Sweet Lamb for long views of the cars, a natural amphitheatre setting, spectacular water splashes and jumps.
C o m i n g t o t h e r a l ly Dayinsure Wales Rally GB is a Stage Rally motor sport event and forms part of the FIA World Rally Championship. The event takes place over three days of competition and each day is divided into a number of ‘Special Stages’ which are where the drivers race against the clock for the fastest time. For the rest of the event, they have to follow a pre-set schedule on normal public roads to get them to the next Special Stage on time. There are 21 Special Stages run over four days: 1 on Thursday, 6 on Friday, 9 on Saturday and 5 on Sunday. The Timetable will tell you which stages are running when, normally indicated by the time the first car starts that stage. It is useful to look at this combined with the Overall Map (Page 12-13) so that you can see where the stages are in relation to each other and the Deeside Rally Village where the teams are based throughout the event.
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Saturday: For family-friendly viewing and entertainment visit the day-long Toyota RallyFest stage at Cholmondeley Castle. Starting with the National rally competitors in the morning and concluding with the International field in the afternoon, Cholmondeley will provide entertainment, displays, catering and attractions throughout the day. The WRC front-runners will also be stopping for autographs and selfies! Sunday: To witness the final stage of the event, it has to be the amazing setting of the Llyn Brenig reservoir for the Power Stage.
GETTING THERE
Access to the Special Stages is by ticket only - you can buy in advance (£28 per adult per day / £10 per adult for the Visit Conwy Special Stage at Tir Prince / £23 per adult for the Toyota RallyFest at Cholmondeley Castle) or pay on the gate (£30 per adult per stage). Advanced tickets can be purchased online here to be printed out yourself, or over the phone or at the ticket office in the Deeside Rally Village. Each adult ticket, with the exception of Tir Prince, comes with an event programme that you collect on arrival at the stage. Each stage has specially prepared car parks which are normally forest tracks that lead to a part of the stage. These tracks can be muddy, uneven and quite long – the earlier you get there, the nearer the top of the car park you will be. From the car park you will be able to access one of the designated
BUY TICKETS
You can buy tickets online here or by calling 44 (0)1492 817113, open 10:00-17:00 Monday-Friday, 10:0014:00 Saturday; closed Sunday.
FOR THE MORE ADVENTUROUS
Those with day passes or four day World Rally Passes (£99) can plan a route to spectate at various different stages during the day. Most of the stages, though, are run twice during the day giving those who choose not to move a double dose of the WRC stars. Once again, check the official Wales Rally GB timetable for full details and remember there’s also the National Rally running alongside the main WRC event on Saturday and Sunday which provides even more interest and entertainment. The National Rally timetable can be found on page 13.
FREE OF CHARGE ACCESS AREAS The Rally Village in Deeside is the ‘pits and paddock’ where the teams prepare the cars for the challenges ahead. Each morning the cars start out from the Rally Village and return here in the early evening. This is a great chance to gain a fantastic insight into the sport, access is totally FREE and there is an array of entertainments. The Rally Village is open from Thursday morning to Saturday evening – don’t miss the fantastic party atmosphere of the Saturday night. Other free admission areas during the event are the Friday lunchtime visit to central Newtown, Friday evening’s return to the rally heartland of Chester and the Ceremonial Finish in Llandudno.
for the first time? viewing locations which are usually quite large areas in the forests/ fields and will be marked out with yellow and black tape. These are the safest places to watch the dramatic rally action, but you should still heed important Safety Advice and always listen to the marshals who are there to help keep you safe. Remember to bring lots of warm clothes – it is October after all! All stages feature catering units and public toilet facilities while the stages at Tir Prince, Cholmondeley Castle, Sweet Lamb and Brenig will also have some retail stands selling gifts and merchandise.
MORE INFORMATION
If you would like more information about rallying, download David Evans’s excellent “Rookie’s Guide to Rallying” for an overview of what rallying is and a glossary of some of the jargon you will hear associated with the spectacular sport of rallying. w w w . f a c e b o o k . c o m / w a l e s r a l ly g b w w w .t w i t t e r . c o m / w a l e s r a l ly g b Keep up to date with all the latest news from Wales Rally GB by following the rally’s regular status updates on the official Wales Rally GB Facebook and Twitter feeds. At the event these feeds, taking information from the heart of Rally HQ at the Rally Village, are invaluable to you when planning your itinerary, travelling around the route and keeping up to date with the latest results. We hope this information proves helpful; if you have any further questions please feel free to contact us.
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spectator information H o s p i ta l i t y Get a taste of the action! Maximise your rally fever with two completely different hospitality packages that will ensure you get the most from your visit to Dayinsure Wales Rally GB. Rally Xtra @ Sweet Lamb - £120 (£100+VAT) Rally Xtra @ Sweet Lamb is the authentic rally experience with all the essential extras to ensure the perfect day out at this famous mid-Wales venue. This premium ticket offers morning bacon rolls, a hearty hot lunch, VIP parking, premium toilet facilities, free tea and coffee, pay bar, commentary, Wi-Fi and a private viewing area within the Sweet Lamb bowl. More information can be found here: walesrallygb.com/hospitality
T U O D L O S
Rally Xtra @ Cholmondeley Castle - £160 (£133.33+VAT) Rally Xtra @ Cholmondeley Castle is an off-road garden party. Cholmondeley Castle provides the stunning backdrop to the family-friendly RallyFest as the rally returns to Cheshire. Easily accessible, the fun-filled entertainment and displays will last throughout the day, with the Rally Xtra marquee located adjacent to the Dayinsure Donut for the best views of the action. More information can be found here: walesrallygb.com/hospitality Dayinsure Wales Rally GB is coordinating the hospitality programme - for further information please call us: Tel: +44 (0)1753 765105 E-mail: hospitality@walesrallygb.com To book, visit www.walesrallygb.com/tickets
official Programme Adult tickets, with the exception of Visit Conwy Tir Prince, include a copy of the Official Programme (priced at £9) which will be available for collection at the stages and key locations during the event. World Rally Pass, Rally Xtra @ Sweet Lamb and Rally Xtra @ Cholmondeley Castle buyers will receive a voucher with their pass which they should hand over to receive their copy of the Programme. Programmes for all other ticket holders will be fulfilled upon presentation of their ticket. Only one Programme can be redeemed per ticket.
A c c o m m o d at i o n Wales Rally GB Accommodation Services, operated by GTS Events Ltd, would be delighted to help with any accommodation requirements for event organisers, competitors, media and spectators alike. For further information, please visit www.walesrallygbtravel.com or contact them at: Tel: +44 (0)870 220 6039 E-mail: enquiries@walesrallygbtravel.com
E N V I R O N M E N TA L S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y In 2016 Dayinsure Wales Rally GB was successful in achieving the FIA ‘Achievement of Excellence’ for its Environmental Sustainability work and we aim to build on this, further enhancing our ‘green status’. Behind the scenes a lot of work is being undertaken in order to protect the forests in which the rally takes place along with all of the other venues used and you, our loyal spectators, can play a key role to ensure that once the rally leaves an area no trace is left. We are not asking for you to do anything out of the ordinary, but just to be respectful to the environment you are coming into and follow the simple steps below to make this happen: · · · ·
Leave no trace of your visit - use the on-site recycling bins, skips or bin bags (or even take your rubbish home with you) Do not light fires or bring barbeques or fireworks to the event Consider car sharing opportunities where possible Follow the countryside code
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spectator information S at e l l i t e N av i g at i o n
Satellite navigation co-ordinates have been supplied as degrees / decimal minutes. Please ensure you use the correct setting on your satellite navigation systems. Satellite navigation equipment may not inform you about road closures related to the event, so please refer to the stage-specific directions in this planner before setting out.
Disabled access
Dayinsure Wales Rally GB welcomes disabled spectators and will do all that is possible to ensure a pleasurable experience. The stage rally environment is such that the majority of car parks and stages and other locations are likely to be physically demanding and rigorous. We are unable to offer dedicated disabled parking and viewing areas at most Special Stages. Therefore it is recommended that disabled customers who wish to attend the event visit the following venues: • • • • • • •
Autograph signing and SS1 Tir Prince - Thursday SS3 / SS6 Sweet Lamb stage - Friday Newtown Regroup, Broad Street - Friday Chester Regroup, Bridge & Eastgate Streets - Friday SS14 Toyota RallyFest at Cholmondeley - Saturday SS18 / SS21 Brenig stage - Sunday Ceremonial Finish in Llandudno - Sunday (free to view) • Deeside Rally Village - Thursday, Friday and Saturday (free to enter) All disabled parking areas are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and all disabled persons wishing to gain access to the dedicated car parking areas listed above will need to display their official Blue Badge in the car. Disabled spectators should purchase their own ticket and will be given a free of charge Carer ticket (if required) by the car park operator upon production of their Blue Badge at the car park on the day. The Carer should accompany the disabled spectator to the car park.
U s e f u l c o n ta c t s
• World Rally Championship www.wrc.com • Visitors to the area can find information at www.visitconwy.org.uk or call the local Tourist Information Centre in Llandudno on +44 (0)1492 577 577 or Rhyl +44(0)1745 355 068 • VisitWales www.visitwales.com or call (Freephone) 0333 006 3001
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event tickets Access to the Deeside Rally Village, the Chester and Newtown regroups and the Ceremonial Finish in Llandudno will be FREE OF CHARGE.
Children aged 15 and under go free!
to buy tickets click here
A DVA N C E A D U LT P RI C E W O RL D RA L LY PASS XTRA @ C HO L MO N D ELEY £204 RA L LY X T RA @ CHOLM ONDELEY £ 16 0 W O RL D RA L LY PASS £99 DA Y PA S S ( T HUR SDAY/FRIDAY/ SA T URDA Y / SUNDAY ) £ 2 8 T OYO TA RA L LY F EST AT CHOLM ONDELEY CASTLE £ 2 3 SIN G L E STA G E E NTRY N/A VIS IT C O N W Y T IR PRINCE £ 10
O N T H E DA Y A D U LT P RI C E
(SUBJE CT TO AVAIL AB IL ITY )
N/A N/A N/A N/A £30 £30 £ 15
CHILD P RI C E
£120 FOR CHILDREN AGED 6-15 YEARS, FREE FOR CHILDREN AGED 5 AND UNDER
FREE FOR CHILDREN AGED 15 AND UNDER
All adult tickets offer free car parking* at the stages and a programme worth £9 with the exception of Tir Prince (where an additional parking fee may apply and a programme is not included). All children aged 15 and under go FREE with the exception of Rally Xtra venues at Sweet Lamb and Cholmondeley Castle where child tickets cost £90 and £120 respectively. All children must be accompanied. Advance tickets will be available for purchase until the day before the event and customers will have the convenience of printing their own online tickets, except for World Rally Passes. Advance tickets can also be purchased from the ticket office in the Rally Village open from Wednesday 25th October – Saturday 28th October. * There will be a charge (cash only, payable on arrival) per vehicle (£10 for cars or £20 for motorhomes) for overnight parking.
Terms and conditions • All children must be accompanied by an adult. • Children aged 15 and under go free with the exception of Rally Xtra @ Sweet Lamb and Rally Xtra @ Cholmondeley Castle where children aged 5 and under go free and children aged 6-15 years will require a ticket offered at 25% discount. • Purchases including hard copy tickets (World Rally Passes, Rally Xtra @ Sweet Lamb and Rally Xtra @ Cholmondeley Castle) require postal delivery and will be subject to a delivery fee of £4.00 per transaction. • One programme (value £9.00) per adult ticket/pass with the exception of the Visit Conwy Tir Prince ticket. Programme fulfilment will be via a voucher for the World Rally Passes, Rally Xtra @ Sweet Lamb and Rally Xtra @ Cholmondeley Castle. Programmes for E-tickets purchased in advance will be fulfilled upon production of the E-ticket. Programmes for tickets purchased
at the car parks or the Deeside Rally Village will be fufilled at time of purchase. • World Rally Passes, Rally Xtra @ Sweet Lamb and Rally Xtra @ Cholmondeley Castle will be dispatched from early September in plain envelopes by secure delivery, signature required. All other tickets will be sent electronically to the customer who should ensure they have either printed out or downloaded their ticket(s) to their mobile phone prior to arrival at the event. • World Rally Passes, Rally Xtra @ Sweet Lamb and Rally Xtra @ Cholmondeley Castle ordered on or after 9am on Friday 20th October will not be posted as we cannot guarantee delivery before the Rally. Instead they should be collected from the official ticket office at the Deeside Rally Village. • Availability at any car park will be on a first come, first served basis and is not guaranteed. To avoid disappointment, all spectators
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should arrive at their chosen car park in plenty of time. There will be a charge (cash only, payable on arrival) per vehicle (£10 for cars or £20 for motorhomes and camper vans) for overnight parking. Overnight car park locations and times will be available in the online Rally Planner. An additional parking fee (cash only, payable on arrival) may apply at Tir Prince. • All ticket holders give their express consent to the use of their actual or simulated likeness in connection with the production, exhibition, advertising or exploitation of any film, video and/or audio recording of this event and/or any element thereof in any/ all media throughout the world. • World Rally Passes, Rally Xtra @ Sweet Lamb and/or Rally Xtra @ Cholmondeley Castle which are lost or stolen (once they have been signed for) will not be replaced.
o v e r v i e w m a p & r a l ly t i m e ta b l e s
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international timetable
national timetable
THURSDAY 26TH OCTOBER
Start SS1 Visit Conwy Tir prince 19:00
FRIDAY 27TH OCTOBER
Service A Deeside SS2 Myherin 1 SS3 Sweet Lamb 1 SS4 Hafren 1 Regroup Newtown SS5 Myherin 2 SS6 Sweet Lamb 2 SS7 Hafren 2 Regroup Chester Service B Deeside
07:15 10:20 11:00 11:15 12:53 14:31 15:11 15:26 19:01 20:01
Ceremonial Start chester, 17:00
SAT U R DAY 2 8 T H OCTOBER
SAT U R DAY 2 8 T H OCTOBER
Service C Deeside 06:10 SS8 Aberhirnant 1 07:55 SS9 Dyfnant 1 08:47 SS10 Gartheiniog 1 09:59 SS11 Dyfi 1 10:28 SS12 Gartheiniog 2 12:08 SS13 Dyfi 2 12:37 SS14 Cholmondeley 15:48 Castle Regroup Service D Deeside 16:55 SS15 Aberhirnant 2 18:55 SS16 Dyfnant 2 19:47 Service E Deeside 22:26
Start Deeside 10:00 SS14 Cholmondeley castle 11:00 SS8 Aberhirnant 12:45 SS9 Dyfnant 13:37 SS12 gartheiniog 14:49 SS13 Dyfi 15:18 Service Area Deeside 18:16
SUNDAY 29TH OCTOBER
SUNDAY 29TH OCTOBER
Service F Deeside SS17 Alwen 1 SS18 Brenig 1 SS19 Gwydir SS20 Alwen 2 SS21 Brenig 2 Power Stage Ceremonial Finish Llandudno
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FRIDAY 27TH OCTOBER
07:00 08:34 09:08 10:06 11:09 12:18 13:35
Start Deeside 10:15 SS19 gwydir 12:08 SS20 Alwen 13:11 SS21 brenig 14:15 Ceremonial Finish Llandudno 15:35
Free spectator access
R A L LY V I L L A G e , regroups and finish e s i d e R a l ly V i l l a g E Fo f RC HEA REG E DThee Rally Village will again be located alongside
Toyota UK’s engine manufacturing plant in Deeside, Flintshire and will be home to all the teams for the duration of the world championship event. Fans will be able to watch the crews bring their cars in to be repaired and serviced in their dedicated service areas as well as enjoy a full schedule of entertainment.
ACCESS
ewtown Regroup Fo f RC HEA REG E NNewtown will play host to Friday lunchtime’s
Regroup for the cars competing in the International event. Broad and Severn Streets in the town centre will be closed to through traffic and reserved exclusively for the rally cars which will start arriving just after 13.00. It’s another great chance to see the mud-splattered turbocharged machines up close.
ACCESS
hester Time Control Fo f RC HEA REG E CCapitalising on the success of the 2016 event,
Dayinsure Wales Rally GB will again return to the centre of the historic walled city of Chester, bringing with it the start of the WRGB National Rally. The action will start from 16:00 with the arrival of the National crews before the star drivers from the WRC event arrive from 18:30 for photos and autographs.
ACCESS
emonial Finish Fo f RC HEA REG E CThise ryear’s Ceremonial Finish and prize-giving
return to Mostyn Street, right in the heart of Llandudno in Conwy County. It’s here at 13.00 on Sunday afternoon that legends will be crowned, as the welldeserving winners spray the victory champagne after three days of high-speed action in the challenging Welsh forests.
ACCESS
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day 1: stages map THURSDAY 26TH OCTOBER
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17
shakedown
SHAKEDOWN - Clocaenog THURSDAY 26TH OCTOBER
Detailed map click here
A
Car Park
Road Closed Spectator Access Route Main Spectator Viewing Areas
Special Stage Route
START
FINISH V1
Clawddnewydd
B5105
A
B5105
© Crown Copyright and database rights 2017 Ordnance Survey Licence No.100055813
Thursday’s pre-event Shakedown stage provides a final test for the teams and the cars before the start of the rally later the same day. While the crews aren’t generally as committed as they will be in the event proper, Shakedown provides an ideal opportunity for fans to see the cars in action at the start of the weekend. Car park A is the place to be for all the Thursday morning action – and there’s plenty to choose from.
CAR PARK A
s ta g e timings
Sat nav coordinates Opening time Length of stage
08.00 - 10.30
Max length of car park Distance from car park to stage Car park terrain Facilities Directions
WRC all other PRIORITY CREWS
Road closures / restrictions
Safety cars 07.20
WRC PRIORITY 1 & 2 CREWS
10.30 - 12.30
WRC NON-PRIORITY CREWS 12.30 - 13.30
Viewing areas
N53 03.337 W03 25.252 04.00 Thursday 26th October 3.32km 1 mile 200m / 5 minutes Flat gravel track Catering, toilets, first aid From Ruthin take the B5105 towards Clawydd Newyd. From the south leave the A5 at Cerrigydrudion and follow B5105. Temporary clearway order on B5105 and road closures on minor roads around the stage. V 1: Viewing area is elevated enabling spectators to have a good view of cars through a very fast sequence of bends as they approach a fast square right junction. The area is sheltered by mature trees.
Stage finishes
13.30 (approx)
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Elfyn Evans Sometimes in the World Rally Championship we have a Shakedown stage which isn’t really representative of the route that’s coming in the following three days. That’s absolutely not the case with Clocaenog. It’s a great stage and a great place to make sure the car’s ready, working and doing what you want.
SS1
VISIT conwy TIR PRINCE THURSDAY 26TH OCTOBER
Detailed map click here
A548
Q V1
A548
V2
START
FINISH
A55
A
Main Spectator Viewing Areas Contains OS Data © Crown Copyright and database rights 2017
The perfect start to Dayinsure Wales Rally GB comes within sight of the beautiful North Wales coast (or it would be in sight if it wasn’t run after sundown). New to the itinerary for this year, the stage is all loose surface and run around Tir Prince’s trotting track, more usually used for horse racing. Running in single file, the crews can really entertain the crowds with a slalom section and a hairpin. This floodlit stage is a real winner with great facilities, easy access and plenty of viewing available.
CAR PARK Q
s ta g e timings Funfair and entertainment 15.00
track demonstrations 16.00
Autograph signings 17.50 - 18.30
Presentation of Crews 18.20
Safety cars
Sat nav coordinates Opening time Length of stage Max length of car park Distance from car park to stage Car park terrain Facilities Directions Road closures / restrictions Viewing areas
Road Closed Spectator Access Route
A547
Car Park
N53 18.308 W03 31.987 15.00 Thursday 26th October 1.6km 600m 200m / 5 minutes Mix of grass and tarmac Catering, toilets, disabled facilities, first aid Tir Prince is located in north Wales in Towyn just off the A548 coast road. Parking restrictions will be in place in the surrounding areas. V 1: Cars leave the start line to join the trotting track and then over a jump in front of the main stand, they can then be seen to travel around the track to the exit into the rear viewing area of the stage (V2). V 2: The cars can be viewed through the entire second section from the fast entry for 500m into a 360’ loop, jump and donut area on gravel.
18.20
wrc run 19.00
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Special Stage Route
Elfyn Evans I must admit, this is a new one on me, but any time we get the chance to put a show on for the fans is great – and with some gravel down and a bit of space around here, you can guarantee we’ll be doing that. The only other thing I’m hoping for here is that the weather’s good and the rain stays away.
day 2: stages map FRIDAY 27TH OCTOBER
20
21
ss2 + SS5
Myherin FRIDAY 27TH OCTOBER
C Detailed map click here
Sweet Lamb
A44
B
FINISH
A44
A44
START
No Access. Tree disease in this area
A
Car Park Road Closed Spectator Access Route
© Crown Copyright and database rights 2017 Ordnance Survey Licence No.100055813
Slightly altered in its configuration this year, the first forest stage of the event will still pose a real threat to the crews and offer some fabulous viewing for the spectators. As usual, you’ll be heading west out of Llangurig – down the A44 towards Aberystwyth – and car park B will be signposted on your left. Myherin is one of the favourites of Toyota star Jari-Matti Latvala and we can expect the flying Finn to be right on the pace through this first of many woodland stages.
CAR PARK B
s ta g e timings Safety cars 09.00
First WRC run 10.20
Safety cars 13.11
Second WRC run 14.31
Stage finishes 17.01
Sat nav coordinates Opening time Length of stage Max length of car park Distance of car park to stage Car park terrain Facilities Directions Road closures / restrictions Viewing areas
N52 25.916 W3 46.551 06:00 Friday 27th October 19.45 Kms 2.25 miles 300m / 10 minutes Uphill gravel forest road Catering, toilets, first aid Access from A44, 8 miles west of Llangurig. NO ACCESS FROM DEVILS BRIDGE / THE ARCH A44 will be a temporary clearway - no parking Follow the pathway from the head of the car park for 350 metres to reach a new spectator area on an open hillside with long distance views of the cars sweeping down through the wind farm, passing briefly behind a hill to emerge from a small cutting mid-way through a long left bend then, in front of the elevated viewing area, tackling a long and wide over-square right bend.
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Main Spectator Viewing Areas Special Stage Route
Elfyn Evans This stage could be the fastest on the entire route. You’re always tempted to give it the big slide in these corners, but that’s not the fastest way; it’s vital to get into a rhythm early. After that, the road widens and quickens. It’s a bit like Finland without the jumps…
ss3 + SS6
Sweet Lamb FRIDAY 27TH OCTOBER
A
Car Park
Detailed map click here
Road Closed Spectator Access Route Main Spectator Viewing Areas
FINISH
Sweet Lamb
Special Stage Route
Hafren
START
C
Spectator Access Route
A44
A44
© Crown Copyright and database rights 2017 Ordnance Survey Licence No.100055813
This natural amphitheatre is one of the seasonal highlights for rally fans – it’s also one of the most recognisable tests in the whole WRC. Sweet Lamb is a great spectator stage with perfect viewing available in every direction. Stand on the side of the hill and you can see cars going through a watersplash, over jumps, and through a tight, twisty section in the centre of the bowl. Nowhere else in the world will you get such a good view of rally cars in their natural habitat.
CAR PARK C
s ta g e timings Safety cars 09.40
First WRC run 11.00
Safety cars 13.51
Second WRC run 15.11
Stage finishes 17.41
Sat nav coordinates Opening time Length of stage Max length of car park Distance from car park to stage Car park terrain Facilities Directions Road closures / restrictions Viewing areas
N52 25.812 W3 42.450 20:00 Thursday 26th October* 4.24km 0.60 miles 200m / 5 minutes Open gravel area Catering, toilets, first aid Access from A44, 4 miles west of Llangurig A44 will be a temporary clearway - no parking Extensive viewing from the hillside around the Sweet Lamb Bowl. The cars are visible for almost two kilometres, they approach along a fast downhill, cross the river bridge then jump into a twisty section and hairpin bend in the bowl, followed by the water splash and away up the hill. The stage route is the same as the revised 2016 and means there will again also be excellent viewing from the top of the car park as competitors pass close by. *Cars arriving at overnight car parks before 5am will be charged a cash fee of £10 per car or £20 per motorhome or camper van.
23
Elfyn Evans People talk about this as a spectator stage and can be a little bit dismissive of it. Well, when you’re hammering your way down that hill towards the main bowl area then there’s nothing dismissive. It’s real commitment in a real stage - the only difference is the incredible views spectators can get here.
ss4 + SS7
hafren FRIDAY 27TH OCTOBER
Detailed map click here
A
B4518
Car Park Road Closed Spectator Access Route Main Spectator Viewing Areas Special Stage Route
FINISH
D
V3
Hafren
V2 V1
E
Spectator Access Route
B4518
Sweet Lamb
START
© Crown Copyright and database rights 2017 Ordnance Survey Licence No.100055813
This stage is part of Dayinsure Wales Rally GB legend – and played a key role in Colin McRae winning Britain’s first World Rally Championship title in 1995. For that reason alone Hafren will always hold a special place in the hearts of rally fans. For competitors it appears to be a neverending tour through the dense Welsh woods. For spectators, car park D is good for variety, car park E offers a view of a dramatic approach to a hairpin corner.
CAR PARK D & CAR PARK E
s ta g e timings Safety cars 9.55
First WRC run 11.15
Safety cars 14.06
Second WRC run 15.26
Stage finishes 17.56
Sat nav coordinates Opening time Length of stage Max length of car park Distance from car park to stage Car park terrain Facilities Directions Road closures / restrictions Viewing areas
N52 29.343 W3 40.052 (shared entrance) 20:00 Thursday 26th October* 35.14km 2.0 miles / 1.25 miles 200m / 5 minutes Uphill gravel forest road Catering, toilets, first aid Access from B4518, 2 miles north of Llanidloes All other access roads V 1: Accessed from the head of the car park, this viewing areas is under the forest canopy at a fast slight uphill approach to a very sharp hairpin left turn. The entrance to car park E leads directly to V 1. V 2: Accessed from the head of the car park, this viewing area is under the forest canopy and overlooks tight technical uphill bends. V 3: Accessed from the mid-point of car park, this viewing area is on an open and exposed clear-felled site with sloping earth banks in open moorland and offers good distant views of the cars. *Cars arriving at overnight car parks before 5am will be charged a cash fee of £10 per car or £20 per motorhome or camper van.
24
Elfyn Evans Not quite as fast as the Myherin stage over the road, with a few more corners and junctions. A lovely stage, but one with an awful lot of surface changes which happen regularly and often and that’s always going to translate into more or less grip than you’re expecting. You have to have your wits about you in here.
25
day 3: stages map SAT U R DAY 2 8 T H O C T O B E R
26
27
ss8 + SS15
Aberhirnant SAT U R DAY 2 8 T H O C T O B E R
A494
B4391
A
B4401
BALA / Y BALA
B4402
B4391
Car Park Road Closed Spectator Access Route
B4391
Main Spectator Viewing Areas Special Stage Route
Spectator Access Route
START
L V1
M FINISH
Detailed map click here
V2
© Crown Copyright and database rights 2017 Ordnance Survey Licence No.100055813
One of the fastest stretches of road on the itinerary. The stage, which sits high above the town of Bala, offers fans a choice of two main areas to spectate. Car park L is the smaller of the two and takes you to a downhill square-left. Car park M is considerably longer and offers much more capacity. This is one of the highest viewing spots on the entire route and, if the mist comes in, offers an unique opportunity for spotting which drivers are the most committed in bad visibility.
CAR PARK L
s ta g e timings Safety cars 06.35
First WRC run 07.55
National SAFETY CAR
Sat nav coordinates Opening time Length of stage Max length of car park Distance from car park to stage Car park terrain Facilities Directions
12.15
National run 12.45
SAFETY CARS 17.35
SECOND WRC RUN 18.55
STAGE FINISHES 21.22
Road closures / restrictions Viewing areas
CAR PARK M
N52 52.531 W 03 33.114 N52 52.130 W 03 33.378 04.00 Saturday 28th October 22:00 Friday 27th October* 13.91km 2.5 miles 1 mile 200m / 5 minutes 100m / 2 minutes Gravel track with slight incline Catering, toilets, first aid Access only available from the north via the town of Bala which is located on the A494. From Bala take the B4391, then turn left to Rhos Y Gwaliau and follow signs. No Access from Lake Vyrnwy, mountain road closed – very long diversion. V 1: Follow marshals’ instructions to cross the stage to an elevated viewing area for a good view of competitors as they approach a very fast downhill square left at the junction. The area has some shelter from mature trees. V 2: (Main viewing area) Follow marshals’ instructions to cross the stage to the elevated viewing area which is 9km into the stage. It gives a good view of competitors approaching a technical section through a combination of bends.
*Cars arriving at overnight car parks before 5am will be charged a cash fee of £10 per car or £20 per motorhome or camper van.
28
Elfyn Evans This stage isn’t exactly slow… in fact it’ll give Myherin a run for its money for being the fastest of the weekend. Another element of the challenge in Aberhirnant will be the weather, being that bit higher, if we get fog it can be really tricky. Especially on the second run in the dark!
ss9 + SS16
dyfnant SAT U R DAY 2 8 T H O C T O B E R
START
FINISH
V2
V1
V3
I
V4
J
A
A458
Car Park
B4395
Road Closed Spectator Access Route
Detailed map click here
Main Spectator Viewing Areas Special Stage Route
Llangadfan
© Crown Copyright and database rights 2017 Ordnance Survey Licence No.100055813
One of the most popular stages on the route and one of the most accessible with two car parks just a short dash up the B4395 off the A458 just outside Llangadfan. You’ll come to car park J first. Take this if you want more variety for your watching – there’s fast and slow corners on offer. Car park I offers access to a popular hairpin right. Second time around, this is sure to be one of the most atmospheric sections of the route, with the cars’ headlights searching out the road ahead.
CAR PARK I
s ta g e timings Safety cars 07.27
First WRC run 08.47
National SAFETY CAR 13.07
National run 13.37
Safety cars 18.27
Second WRC run 19.47
Stage finishes 22.14
Sat nav coordinates Opening time Length of stage Max length of car park Distance from car park to stage Car park terrain Facilities Directions Road closures / restrictions Viewing areas
CAR PARK J
N52 43.453 W3 26.478 N52 42.506 W3 27.194 05:00 Saturday 28th October 17:00 Friday 27th October* 17.91km 2.20 miles 1.20 miles 300m / 5 minutes 100m / 3 minutes Gravel forest road Catering, toilets, first aid Approach from A458 and B4395 at Llangadfan All minor roads leading to stage will be closed. B4395 will be a temporary clearway - no parking. V 1: Follow the marshals’ instructions and cross the track only at the official crossing point. Raised pathways give access to open viewing area of fast right bend, crest, and a square right turn junction. V 2: Follow the signs from the head of the car park (via horse trail 67 ) to join the stage with open viewing of a series of flowing right and left hand bends. V 3: Follow the signs from the centre of the car park (via horse trail 68 ), the viewing area is on the entrance to the flowing bends at V 2. V 4: Approx 2km from the car park entrance, this is the main area for spectating and contains a fast uphill approach into tight hairpin right turn. *Cars arriving at overnight car parks before 5am will be charged a cash fee of £10 per car or £20 per motorhome or camper van.
29
Elfyn Evans This stage has been a Rally GB staple for years. It flows really nicely, but the surface can polish up a little bit and get a bit slippery second time around. Having said that, in 2015, it rained between the first and second run which exposed solid stone beneath the mud and gave really good grip.
ss10 + SS12
Gartheiniog SAT U R DAY 2 8 T H O C T O B E R
A
FINISH
Car Park Road Closed Spectator Access Route Main Spectator Viewing Areas Special Stage Route
Detailed map click here V2 V1
V3
START
H
Spectator Access Route
Dyfi
G
Aberangell
A470
© Crown Copyright and database rights 2017 Ordnance Survey Licence No.100055813
Welcome to the Dyfi complex – a vast area of woodland which takes its name from the River Dyfi. Running through a valley and hard on the brakes, the sound of the cars will reverberate off the trees surrounding you, ensuring an exceptional sensory experience. Car park H is the place for this one and it brings you in above the stage itself. A short walk takes you to a hairpin left near the start, a longer trek offers another tight and tricky hairpin which will be just as entertaining.
CAR PARK H
s ta g e timings Safety cars 08.39
First WRC run 09.59
Safety cars
Immediate
Second WRC run (live TV)
Sat nav coordinates Opening time Length of stage Max length of car park Distance from car park to stage Car park terrain Facilities Directions Road closures / restrictions Important information
12.08
National SAFETY CAR 14.19
National run 14.49
Stage finishes 16.09
Viewing areas
N52 40.473 W3 42.504 (shared entrance with Car Park G) 17:00 Friday 27th October* 12.60km 2.50 miles 300m / 5 minutes Gravel forest road – mostly uphill Catering, toilets, first aid Access ONLY from A470 at Aberangell, 2 miles south of junction with A458 A470 will be a temporary clearway between Mallwyd and Cemmaes Road. All other minor access roads will be closed. Please do not move between the Dyfi and Gartheiniog stage car parks in the interval between runs. The access roads are single track, with potentially serious bottlenecks. Congestion here could affect the main trunk roads. Should this occur the Police will close the access and the car park exits completely. V 1: Gives up-close viewing of a 90 degree right and left combination junction. V 2: Follow the spectator pathway within the trees for 200m to a junction where competitors turn square left from a fast approach. V 3: Just before V 2, cross the track at the official crossing point, follow the footway for 300m. Twisty downhill into tight hairpin right turn. *Cars arriving at overnight car parks before 5am will be charged a cash fee of £10 per car or £20 per motorhome or camper van.
30
Elfyn Evans This is my favourite. I love the way it flows – even with a couple of tight hairpins which can bring you virtually to a stop. You can get really stuck into this stage. The start has been moved back a bit making that first spectator area even better – the cars coming into a square right into hairpin left will mean it’s action from the very beginning.
ss11 + SS13
dyfi SAT U R DAY 2 8 T H O C T O B E R
A
Car Park
Gartheiniog
Road Closed
H
Spectator Access Route Main Spectator Viewing Areas Special Stage Route
START
Car Park Exit Route
Detailed map click here
G
V3
Corris
F
Aberangell
V2
A470
V1
FINISH
A487
Dyfi and Gartheiniog are the nearest of neighbours with just a single public road running down the middle and dividing them. Car park G is Dyfi’s main parking area and it takes you close to a fast and spectacular long right-hander. You can even enjoy a burger from here too. Car park F is on the Corris side of the forest and comes in via the A487. There’s plenty of viewing here, most of it really quick stuff along the side of the valley.
s ta g e timings Safety cars 09.08
First WRC run 10.28
Safety cars
Sat nav coordinates Opening time Length of stage Max length of car park Distance from car park to stage Car park terrain Facilities Directions
Immediate
Second WRC run 12.37
Road closures / restrictions
CAR PARK F
CAR PARK G
N52 38.613 W3 50.489 17:00 Friday 27th October* 25.86km 2.5 miles 200m / 5 minutes
N52 40.473 W3 42.504
1.5 miles
Gravel forest road - mostly uphill Catering, toilets, first aid Access is from A487, 4 miles north of Machynlleth A487 will be a temporary clearway. All other minor roads closed.
National safety car 14.48
Important information
National run 15.18
Stage finishes 16.38
Viewing areas
Access is from A470 at Aberangell. Car parks G and H share an entrance - filter left at the split to reach car park G A470 will be a temporary clearway between Mallwyd and Cemmaes Road. Minor access roads will be closed.
Please do not move between the Dyfi and Gartheiniog stage car parks in the interval between runs (see ‘Important Information’ for Gartheiniog). V 1: Stand on the raised banking to see the cars through a long, fast right bend. V 3: Walking from the top of the car park will take you to cleared walkways with close-up stage views. V 2: Continue to follow the footpath through V 1 for 600m to see cars pulling uphill through a series of sweeping and tightening bends. *Cars arriving at overnight car parks before 5am will be charged a cash fee of £10 per car or £20 per motorhome or camper van.
31
© Crown Copyright and database rights 2017 Ordnance Survey Licence No.100055813
Elfyn Evans When you see how close this stage is to Gartheiniog, it’ll come as no surprise that this is my second favourite. The start of this stage is always really slippery and, if it’s been raining, you have to be on your guard for standing water. Once we start to climb up the hill the stage just gets faster and faster.
ss14
T oyo ta R A L LY F E S T A T C H O L M O N D E L E Y C A S T L E SAT U R DAY 2 8 T H O C T O B E R
Detailed map click here
A534 A49
FINISH
K
START
A
Car Park
A49
Road Closed Spectator Access Route Main Spectator Viewing Areas Special Stage Route
Introduced for the first time last season, this RallyFest stage was a huge hit with families out for a first taste of the sport as well as seasoned fans. The route for this asphalt dash will be the same as last year with that all-important requirement for the 360-degree spin in the middle. There will also be an opportunity for fans to meet and greet the crews. The organisers are laying on more facilities and there’s a revised traffic plan to ensure smooth access in and out.
CAR PARK K
s ta g e timings track Demos
09.15 - 10.30
National SAFETY CAR 10.31
National run 11.00
Track demos
12.30 - 14.30
Autograph signing session
Sat nav coordinates Opening time Length of stage Distance from car park to stage Car park terrain Facilities Directions Road closures / restrictions Viewing areas
N53 03.763 W2 39.677 09:00 Saturday 28th October 1.8km 50m / 2 minutes Undulating grassland Catering, toilets, first aid, big screen, PA, trade stands, entertainment, displays, autograph signing Access ONLY from A49, 7 miles north of Whitchurch, use Gate 1 All other access gates will be closed There will be plenty of opportunity for spectators to view the action around the Castle’s parkland as the majority of the viewing is on flat grassland on the inside of the stage, accessed by a crossing point from the car park. All areas provide excellent viewing and spectators will be able to move freely between them.
15.00 (approx.)
WRC Run 15.48
Stage finishes 18.18
Please note, there will be no spectator entry to Cholmondeley after 4pm on Saturday 28 October. From 4pm the roads on the estate will be reversed to be exit only.
32
© Crown Copyright and database rights 2017 Ordnance Survey Licence No.100055813
Elfyn Evans The donut in the middle of the stage is a chance to do a 360, but there’s no showboating here; WRC rounds are being decided by tenths of seconds so you don’t mess around here. It’s great to have the autograph session there as well, to let the fans get a picture or autograph just before they see us at speed.
back for 2017
t h e f a m i ly - f r i e n d ly R a l ly f e s t returns to cholmondeley castle! Designed to deliver a full day of thrilling entertainment for visitors of all ages, the Toyota RallyFest at Cholmondeley Castle will particularly appeal to new rally spectators and those attending with children, who will benefit from easier access and more facilities than the traditional forest stages. Visitors to Cholmondeley will savour the eye-catching action as the stars and cars from Dayinsure Wales Rally GB race against the clock around the stately home’s challenging parkland tracks. They will also be treated to tyre-burning donuts, jumps, big-screen coverage, commentary, supercars, Supermoto racing, a tribute to the legendary rally cars of yesteryear, a catering village, trade stands, mini tanks, funfair plus a host of other attractions including
33
an autograph and selfie session with all the top drivers. Adult tickets for the Toyota RallyFest cost just £23* if bought in advance (or £30* on the gate) - what’s more, they include an official programme priced at £9. As it is half-term, accompanied children aged 15 and under are admitted FREE! If you want a premium rally experience then upgrade to Rally Xtra @ Cholmondeley Castle! For £160 per adult (£120 per child aged 6-15 years) you’re guaranteed the best views of the action plus all the essential extras like morning bacon roll, hearty hot lunch, dedicated parking and toilet facilities, free tea and coffee.... *Terms and conditions apply
day 4: stages map SUNDAY 29TH OCTOBER
34
35
ss17 + SS20
alwen SUNDAY 29TH OCTOBER
START
FINISH
V1
Alwen
x
FINISH
O V2
V2
V4
Detailed map click here
O
START
V3
Brenig
V1
O Spectator Access Route
A5
A
B4501
Main Spectator Viewing Areas
B5105
The final day moves the event from mid to north Wales and the Alwen stage is typical of what’s on offer in this complex of stages with long straights and more junctions than Friday and Saturday. The speed on these roads is ferociously high and braking points have to be absolutely perfect. Car park O is where you will be based for both the Alwen and Brenig stages. From here, parts of Alwen stage are 200 metres away – a slightly longer walk reveals some faster stretches.
CAR PARK O
s ta g e timings Safety cars 07.14
First WRC run 08.34
Safety cars
Immediate
Second WRC run 11.09
National safety car 12.41
National run 13.11
Stage finishes 14.41
Sat nav coordinates Opening time Length of stage Max length of car park Distance of car park to stage Facilities Directions Road closures / restrictions Viewing areas
Road Closed Spectator Access Route
Cerrigydrudion
Car Park
N53 03.261 W03 33.026 (North & B4501, Brenig Lake and South) 16:00 Saturday 28th October* (North & B4501 and Brenig Lake) 04:00 Sunday 29th October (South) 10.41km 3 miles (North & B4501), 2 miles (Brenig Lake), 2 miles (South) 200m (North & B4501), 1km (Brenig Lake), 900m (South) Catering, toilets, first aid Leave the A5 at Cerrigydrudion and follow signs for B4501 Brenig Visitor Centre. Access is only from the south off the A5 & B5105 from Ruthin. The B4501 is closed and the only access to the car parks is from the south via Cerrigydrudion (A5). A temporary clearway order will be in place on the B5105. V 4: Follow marshals’ instructions to cross the stage to an elevated viewing area for views of the cars through a sequence of fast bends. Competitors are in view for about 500m. Viewing is to this area only, no access to V 1, V 2 and V 3. V 1: 2km in, cars can be seen over a very fast approach into a tight right hand bend. V 2: Competitors will be in view for about 300m through a very fast section and then through a tight right bend. V 3: Viewing from a very high location with excellent views of cars for about 500m through a sequence of flowing bends. *Cars arriving at overnight car parks before 5am will be charged a cash fee of £10 per car or £20 per motorhome or camper van.
36
Special Stage Route
© Crown Copyright and database rights 2016 Ordnance Survey Licence No.100055813
Elfyn Evans I like this stage. The grip’s not always at its highest in here, but it is usually quite consistent apart from one tricky section where it looks like black mud – that can be a bit slippery. A bit of a change in nature from the roads in mid-Wales.
ss18 + SS21
brenig SUNDAY 29TH OCTOBER
START
START
O
FINISH
Detailed map click here
(
V1
Alwen
x
FINISH
O
Spectator Footpath
Brenig
V1
V2
V2
V3
V4
O
Spectator Footpath Access to V4 only
Spectator Access Route
© Crown Copyright and database rights 2017 Ordnance Survey Licence No.100055813
As the name would suggest, this stage is on the Brenig lake side of the road. So, having parked up on the B4501 – which doubles as car park O on the final day of the rally – head towards the dam at the most southerly end of the lake where some of the best viewing spots are. Being the Power Stage, Brenig 2 will offer the opportunity of seeing the crews out of the car at the stage finish. Head towards the Visitor’s Centre to see the champagne being sprayed by the winning driver.
CAR PARK O
s ta g e timings Safety cars 07.48
First WRC run 09.08
Safety cars 10.58
Second WRC run power stage 12.18
National safety car 13.45
National run 14.15
Stage finishes 15.45
Sat nav coordinates Opening time Length of stage Max length of car park Distance of car park to stage Facilities Directions Road closures / restrictions Viewing areas
N53 03.261 W03 33.026 (North & B4501, Brenig Lake and South) 16:00 Saturday 28th October* (North & B4501 and Brenig Lake) 04:00 Sunday 29th October (South) 6.43km 3 miles (North & B4501), 2 miles (Brenig Lake), 2 miles (South), 200m (North & B4501), 1km (Brenig Lake), 900m (South) Catering, toilets, first aid Leave the A5 at Cerrigydrudion and follow signs for B4501 Brenig Visitor Centre. Access is only from the south off the A5 & B5105 from Ruthin. The B4501 is closed and the only access to the car parks is from the south via Cerrigydrudion (A5). A temporary clearway order will be in place on the B5105. V 1: Follow signs from the visitor centre and walk across the top of the dam to view cars over a jump then through a fast sequence of bends, over a crest into a deceptive right. V 2: Follow signs from the visitor centre, past V 1, to the viewing area (a 25 minute walk) which is along the top of the dam. Cars are seen for a prolonged period through a sequence of bends and to the finish. Do not walk across the grass banking. The viewing area is elevated with excellent views down the valley. Both V 1 and V 2 locations will offer the opportunity to walk to the Visitor Centre to see competitors on the podium. *Cars arriving at overnight car parks before 5am will be charged a cash fee of £10 per car or £20 per motorhome or camper van.
37
Elfyn Evans This is a stage of two halves really. We have the road which runs along the lake, over the dam and down to the tarmac section which takes us to the finish near the Visitor’s Centre. I think it’s a great idea to finish the stage there, it’s a great building and it makes a lot of sense.
ss19
Gwydir SUNDAY 29TH OCTOBER
A
Llanrwst
B5106
Car Park Road Closed Spectator Access Route Main Spectator Viewing Areas
Special Stage Route
START
V1
N
Detailed map click here
V2
A470
FINISH
A5
Betws-y-Coed
© Crown Copyright and database rights 2017 Ordnance Survey Licence No.100055813
Run through the hills just to the west and above the town of Llanrwst, this stage is slightly different in nature to the others. Standing in Gwydir, you have the feeling of being in a parkland wood with much less densely packed trees. There’s an uphill walk from car park N to a wide area with great viewing of a T-junction. There’s plenty of room to spread out up and around this stage and the views of the Conwy valley are well worth the walk themselves.
CAR PARK N
s ta g e timings Safety cars 08.46
WRC run 10.06
National safety car 11.38
National run 12.08
Stage finishes 13.33
Sat nav coordinates Opening time Length of stage Max length of car park Distance from car park to stage Car park terrain Facilities Directions Road closures / restrictions Viewing areas
N53 07.435 W03 49.339 04:00 Sunday 29th October 7.41km 2.2 miles 500m to V 1, 1500m to V 2 Mainly flat, gravel track but with a steep uphill section to the stage Catering, toilets, first aid Leave the A470 at Llanrwst over the narrow bridge onto the B5106 signposted to Trefriw. After 500m turn left and follow car park signs. All the minor roads in the vicinity of the stage will be closed. The B5106 from Betws Y Coed to LLanrwst will be closed, only approach via Llanrwst. V 1: This viewing area has a fast / medium left hand bend that leads into a fast open hairpin left with good viewing on raised banking. V 2: This viewing area has a crest, a square left at a junction exiting to several sweeping bends with good viewing on raised banks.
38
Elfyn Evans I’ve got to be honest and say I don’t remember too much about this stage, other than it having a bit of a feel of the Forest of Dean about it. It felt more like a parkland stage rather than the heavily forested stages elsewhere. I also remember some lovely views up there and a very good stage!