Wales rally 2013 by Lee Clarkson

Wales Rally GB is organised by: International Motor Sports Limited on behalf of the Royal Automobile Club Motor Sports Association Limited www.msaevents.co.uk FIA Visa No: 10WRC/260612 ASN Visa No: 72334 MSA Permit No (National): 72333 FIA titles for which the rally counts: FIA World Rally Championship for Drivers FIA World Rally Championship for Co-Drivers FIA World Rally Championship for Manufacturers FIA Super 2000 World Rally Championship for Drivers FIA Super 2000 World Rally Championship for Co-Drivers The rally will be run in compliance with the International Sporting Code (and its appendices), the 2012 FIA World Rally Championship Sporting Regulations, the national sporting regulations which comply with the FIA regulations, and the Supplementary Regulations. Motor Sports House, Riverside Park, Colnbrook SL3 0HG Tel: 01753 765 000 Fax: 01753 682 938 www.msauk.org ©2012 TRMG and International Motor Sports Ltd All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without written permission of the copyright owners. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. All information correct at time of press.

TRMG Ltd 1 Forum Place, Hatfield, Herts AL10 0RN Tel: 01707 273 999 www.trmg.co.uk Publishing Director: Jon Fellows Operations Director: Andrew Stevens Head of Production: Jamie Ringrose Project Manager: Malcolm Anderson Design: Lee Clarkson Advertising Sales: Charlie Wise, Emma Smalley Photography: www.worldrallypics.com unless stated The paper used for printing this magazine has been sourced from sustainably managed forests – trees that, harvested for pulp production, are replenished under a supervised replanting programme, and with minimal effects to the environment. We also ensure that the paper mills who manufacture our paper operate in accordance with the ISO 14001 and EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) standards, which are internationally recognised and externally audited integrated environmental management systems.

FEATURES... NEW FOR 2013

SEASON SO FAR

-------------------------All the Action from The Acropolis to Wales

ROAD TO WALES

---------------------------We take a look at all the features and attractions appearing at this year’s Rally Stages

------------------------Read up on the drivers who have earned themselves free entry into this year’s Rally

SLOWLY SIDEWAYS - - - - - 82 The car’s the star !

CONTENTS

TEAMS & DRIVERS 52 54 56 58 60 62 66

Volkswagen Motorsport Citröen Total Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi Citröen Qatar M-Sport World Rally Team Qatar World Rally Team WRC 2 & WRC 3 National B drivers

I N S I D E ... SPECTATOR INFORMATION 12 Important Safety Messages 14 Rally Timetable 17 Event Partners 18 Event Officials 20 Local Services 24 Media Information 24 Disabled Access 26 Ticket Information 28 Rally Food & Drink 36 From Start to Finish 87 Previous Winners 88 Trophies 89 Rally Roundup 92 Entry Lists 101 Mileage Chart

MERCHANDISING Head on over to page 90 for a selection of Official Wales Rally GB 2013 Merchandise, clothing and memorabilia

STAGE MAPPING 100 102 104 106 108 110 120

Overview Map Stage Map – Friday Stage Map – Saturday Stage Map – Sunday Stage Map – Qualifying Individual stages and car parks Cardiff Service Park

with a World Rally Pass or 4 6 4 9 3 Friday Day Pass. Tickets available on the day strictly subject to availability.

Car Park F Car Park Open Thursday 24:00

, from Jim Clark’s home town of BELOW: Euan Thorburn Duns in the Scottish Borders, will have only recently emerged from a darkened room after winning one of the closest-fought BTRDA Gold Star Rally Championships in living memory. He and co-driver Paul Beaton took the title in their Ford Focus WRC in Llandudno at the end of the Cambrian Rally, on a tie-break, which saw them get the nod with four wins during the season to their rivals’ three. chance to compete in the British round OPPOSITE: Joe Evett’s of the World Rally Championship came while he was sitting at home in Aylesbury! The BTRDA Series scoring system allows competitors to count their best six scores from eight of the nine rounds in the calendar. Having started each of the first eight events in his MG ZR (although retirement from the first two meant that he didn’t score a point until mid April!). he was forced to miss the final one and hope that his main rivals hit trouble. In the event, his prayers were answered and his lead remained intact.

top three finishers in the overall BRC championship as well as class winners in both British Junior and RallyTwo Rally categories have won free entries into Wales rally GB 2013. Additionally the winner of the NGK Spark Plugs BRC Challenge has also been awarded a free entry into the National Rally that runs alongside the WRC event. These prize entries will be transferable to the next highest finishers should the winning crews not be able to attend.

THE

Plus, those drivers competing in the REISGet Connected BTRDA Rally Series have had a similar opportunity to win a drive in Wales. The winners of the Gold Star Championship are rewarded with a free entry into the three-day National Rally. What’s more, the winners of the BTRDA Rally First Championship – a class for two-wheel-drive production cars – have also won a free entry into the two-day version of the National Rally – both running on the same classic Welsh forest stages as Wales Rally GB.

Jukka Korhonen Former Pirelli Star Driver Jukka Korhonen has been crowned the 2013 MSA British Rally Champion after finishing third at this weekend’s season-closing Rallye Sunseeker International.

Osian Pryce Rallye Sunseeker itself was won by young Welshman, Osian Pryce, who put in a dominant performance to lead throughout the 10 special stages and take his third consecutive BRC victory and secure second place overall in the 2013 MSA British Rally Championship.

THE ROAD TO WALES

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There will be some very happy drivers on the WRGB stages this year...

The British Rally Championship winners... Tom Cave Welsh rally driver Tom Cave finished second on the finale of the 2013 MSA British Rally Championship, Rallye Sunseeker, after an eventlong battle with Osian Pryce. The result meant Cave ended the 2013 season tied on points with Pryce, who took second overall to Tom's third, thanks to his tally of wins.?

Daniel McKenna Daniel McKenna won the BRC RallyTwo title fight, allowing rival Steve Rokland the event win, but sealing the championship with a controlled run to

second. This was Danielâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sixth podium of the year in as many events, the only R2 crew to manage this amazing feat.

Benjamyn Mckay 21-year-old Ben Mckay from Ellesmere coped admirably with the pressure of having it all to loose, by bagging a raft of titles on last weekendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s final round of the MSA British Rally Championship, Rallye Sunseeker International. Not only did the youngster win the Twingo Renaultsport R1 Trophy, MSA British Junior

Championship, Ravenol Oils Newcomers Cup and class R1 titles , but he also won the hearts and minds of the selection committee and was awarded the coveted Pirelli Star Driver nomination for his determined approach this year.

Richard Sykes 2012 was a full assault on the NGK BRCC for Richard, and with a bit of luck with car reliability, he and his team were able to secure the overall championship win with an event to go.

WRC 2 Formula One ace Robert Kubica was forced to retire his F1 seat after a rally accident in 2011. Returning to rallying he landed a drive with Citröen for 2013, winning the WRC 2 title in Spain and now he's been given a full WRC car for Wales Rally GB. Abdulaziz Al Kuwari has sewn up second, third will be a three-way battle between Yuriy Protasov, Yazeed Al Rajhi and Sepp Wiegand. Home favourites Mark Higgins, Elfyn Evans, Tom Cave and Robert Barrable will be trying to upset the regulars.

TOP FAR LEFT: Sébastien Chardonnet only needs 6th place to take the WRC 3 title. TOP LEFT: Local driver Elfyn Evans will be hoping for a good result. BELOW LEFT: Triple British Rally Champion Keith Cronin has a chance at the WRC 3 crown. BOTTOM LEFT: Elfyn Evans navigates a tight turn by drifting out in Germany.

ABOVE: Triple British Rally Champion Mark Higgins will be back on the stages. ABOVE RIGHT: British Rally Championship stars Tom Cave and co-driver Ieuan Thomas. ABOVE FAR RIGHT (AND MAIN): Robert Kubica sprays the bubbly after winning the 2013 WRC 2 Championship.

TEAMS & DRIVERS

C H A M P I O N S H I P

R O U N D - U P Neil Burgess reports on the fi fin nal rounds for both WRC 2 and WRC 3 championships.

V o l k s w a g e n

M o t o r s p o r t

This season, Volkswagen is making its debut in the FIA World Rally Championship. Gravel, asphalt, ice and snow – the World Rally Championship is the most demanding test of technology and driving ability in motorsport, and one the Wolfsburg-based automobile manufacturer faced for the first time with the Polo R WRC and a strong team at the Rally Monte Carlo in January.

VOLKSWAGEN POLO R WRC • Engine: Straight-four engine with turbocharger and intercooling, transversally mounted in front of the front axle • Displacement: 1,600cc • Power output: 232kW (315hp) at 6,250rpm • Torque: 425Nm at 5,000rpm • Air restrictor: 33mm (FIA regulation) • Engine control unit: Bosch • Gearbox: Sequential, six-speed racing gear box, transversally mounted • Final drive: Permanent four-wheel drive with fixed drive between the front and rear axles, multi-plate limited-slip differentials, front and rear • Clutch: Hydraulically actuated double-disk sintered metal clutch by ZF • Chassis/suspension: McPherson struts, dampers from ZF • Steering: Servo-assisted rack and pinion steering • Brakes: Ventilated disc brakes (front Ø 355mm on asphalt; front and rear • Wheels: Size 8x18 inch for asphalt, 7x15 inch for gravel • Tyres: Michelin competition tyres • •Chassis/bodywork: FIA-conformant reinforced steel body • Length/width/height: 3,976mm / 1,820mm / 1,356mm • Track: 1,610mm • Wheelbase: 2,480mm • Minimum weight: 1,200kg • Acceleration: 0-100km/h in approx. 3.9 seconds • Top speed 200km/h (depending on gear ratio)

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A N D R E A S M I K K E L S E N

Nationality: French Date of Birth: 17 Dec 1983 Car: VW Polo R WRC Team: Volkswagen Motorsport Co-driver: Julien Ingrassia FIA Championship Titles: JWRC Champion 2008 WRC Debut: Mexico 2008 WRC Rally Wins (to date): 12

Nationality: Finnish Date of Birth: 03 Apr 1985 Car: VW Polo R WRC Team: Volkswagen Motorsport Co-driver: Miikka Anttila WRC Debut: Great Britain 2002 WRC Wins: 8

Nationality: Norwegian Date of Birth: 22 Jun 1989 Car: VW Polo R WRC Team: Volkswagen Motorsport Co-driver: Mikko Markkula WRC Debut: Great Britain 2006

The Frenchman was something of a late-starter in rally terms, only joining the sport at the age of 22 – and that despite the iconic Rally Monte Carlo traditionally running through his home town of Gap in the French Maritime Alps. However, when Sébastien Ogier made his first appearance in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) just two years after his first rally, he did not need much time to adapt. He immediately scored a World Championship point on his debut in Mexico – in an S1600 car.

Even before his birth, there was a very good chance that Jari-Matti Latvala would become a professional rally driver. His father, Jari, had been racing in rallies since 1981, during which time the entire Latvala family became a true “rally family”. Jari-Matti was still mastering the art of walking when he completed his first laps in a gokart at the age of just four. When he was eight, his father gave him his first rally car. By ten, Jari-Matti was practicing rally driving on a frozen lake in Finland.

Andreas Mikkelsen is a true all-rounder. With his heart initially set on a career as a professional skier, he was called up for the Norwegian junior team at the age of twelve – a feat he also achieved on the motocross scene. However, a knee injury brought his promising downhill skiing career to a premature end, prompting Mikkelsen to switch to rallying when he was 16.

M I K K O

H I R V O N E N

Nationality: Finnish Date of Birth: 31 Jul 80 Car No: 2 Car: Citröen DS3 WRC Team: Citröen Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team Co-driver: Jarmo Lehtinen WRC Debut: Finland 2002 WRC Rally Wins: 15 The Frenchman was something of a late-starter in rally terms, only joining the sport at the age of 22 – and that despite the iconic Rally Monte Carlo traditionally running through his home town of Gap in the French Maritime Alps. However, when Sébastien Ogier made his first appearance after his first rally, he did not need much time to adapt. He immediately scored a World Championship point on his debut in Mexico – in an S1600 car. 4649 46495 6495

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Nationality: Spanish Date of Birth: 02 May 83 Car No: 14 Car: Citröen DS3 WRC Team: Abu Dhabi Citröen Total World Rally Team Co-driver: Carlos Del Barrio FIAA Championship Titles: 2005 FIA Junior World Rally Champion WRC Debut: Spain 2003 The Frenchman was something of a late-starter in rally terms, only joining the sport at the age of 22 – and that despite the iconic Rally Monte Carlo traditionally running through his home town of Gap in the French Maritime Alps. However, when Sébastien Ogier made his first appearance after his first rally, he did not need much time to adapt. He immediately scored a World M I K K O

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TEAMS & DRIVERS

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World Rally Championship manufacturers’ champions in 2003, 2004, 2005, and every year between 2008 and 2012, Citröen has been the power behind each of Sebastian Loeb’s nine championship titles, and remains the team all the others want to beat.

CITROËN DS3 WRC • Structure: Reinforced body with welded, multi-point roll cage • Bodywork: Steel and composite fibre • Engine: Citroën Racing 1.6 turbocharged direct injection engine • Bore x stroke: 82x75.5mm • Capacity: 1,598cc • Maximum power: 300bhp at 6,000rpm • Maximum torque: 350Nm at 3,250rpm • Specific output: 188bhp/litre • Distribution: Double overhead camshaft valve train driven by timing belt 4 valves per cylinder

• Fuel feed: Direct injection controlled by Magneti Marelli SRP-HP unit • Clutch: Cerametallic twin-disk • Transmission: Four-wheel drive • Gearbox: Sadev six-speed sequential - Manual control • Differential: Front and rear mechanical, auto-locking • Brakes: Front; Ventilated disks, 355mm (tarmac) and 300mm (gravel) Water-cooled 4-piston callipers (tarmac) Rear; Ventilated disks, 300mm, 4-piston callipers • Suspension: McPherson

• Shock absorbers: Citroën Racing thee-way adjustable shock absorbers (low- and high-speed compression and rebound) • Steering: Hydraulic power-assisted steering • Wheels: Tarmac; 8x18" wheels - Michelin tyres Gravel and snow; 7x15" wheels - Michelin tyres • Length: 3,948mm / Width: 1,820mm • Wheelbase: 2,461mm • Track: 1,618mm (front and rear) • Fuel tank: 75-litres • Weight: 1,200kg minimum

RALLYE MONTE-CARLO Volkswagen Motorsport exploded into the World Rally Championship with a stunning second place. Sébastien Ogier was only beaten by maestro Sébastien Loeb in his Citroën. With Loeb only competing on four events in 2013, this was a warning for the established teams. The fastest Fiesta was Mads Østberg in 6th, team boss Malcolm Wilson predicting "I'm under no illusions now, they [Volkswagen] will be a threat for the championship. Struggling to get to grips with the new Polo, Jari-Matti Latvala crashed out on the final day. WRC2 was won by Sepp Waigand after favourite Esapekka Lappi retired with suspension damage after a puncture. Sébastien Chardonnet overcame an accident to win WRC3.

A C T I O N A L L

T H E

W A Y

The WRC has taken a long and winding road to Wales. Neil Burgess reviews its journey.

SEASON REVIEW

RALLYE MONTE-CARLO 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

S. Loeb/D. Elena S. Ogier/J. Ingrassia D. Sordo/C. Del Barrio M. Hirvonen/J. Lehtinen B. Bouffier/X. Panseri M. Østberg/J. Andersson M. Prokop/M. Ernst S. Wiegand/F. Christian O. Burri/G. Duval M. Kosciuszko/M. Szczepaniak

Citroën DS3 WRC Volkswagen Polo R WRC Citroën DS3 WRC Citroën DS3 WRC Citroën DS3 WRC Ford Fiesta RS WRC Ford Fiesta RS WRC ?koda Fabia S2000 Peugeot 207 S2000 Mini John Cooper Works WRC

5:18:57 5:20:37 5:22:46 5:24:23 5:27:10 5:31:00 5:42:24 5:48:31 5:54:35 5:55:25

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RALLY SWEDEN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

S. Ogier/J. Ingrassia S. Loeb/D. Elena M. Østberg/J. Andersson J. Latvala/M. Anttila T. Neuville/N. Gilsoul J. Hènninen/T. Tuominen M. Prokop/M. Ernst H. Solberg/E. Axelsson E. Novikov/I. Minor Y. Al Rajhi/M. Orr

Volkswagen Polo R WRC Citroën DS3 WRC Ford Fiesta RS WRC Volkswagen Polo R WRC Ford Fiesta RS WRC Ford Fiesta RS WRC Ford Fiesta RS WRC Ford Fiesta RS WRC Ford Fiesta RS WRC Ford Fiesta RRC

3:11:41 3:12:23 3:13:06 3:13:12 3:16:48 3:17:25 3:23:07 3:23:24 3:24:46 3:28:08

RALLY SWEDEN Sébastien Ogier stamped his authority in Sweden, thanks partly due to the snow. Rival Sébastien Loeb, running earlier on the road, was one of the cars sweeping away the snow and so clearing the road for Ogier's flying Polo. An array of maladies hit the chasing pack. Mikko Hirvonen rolled, Mads Østberg lost coolant with a leak and Jari-Matti Latvala suffered with intercom issues just as he was getting to grips with his Polo. Yazeed Al-Rajhi took his first win in WRC2, ably co-driven by Brit Michael Orr. Eyvind Brynildsen was the favourite but after struggling to start his Ford for SS1, engine retirement was to come.

RALLY GUANAJUATO MEXICO If anyone was in doubt about the performance of the Polo WRC, Sébastien Ogier confirmed how potent the package was with the team's first victory on gravel. Jari-Matti Latvala was the first to find a weak point in the impressive Polo, breaking a TCA after hitting a rock. Mads Østberg took the fight to Ogier until he was side-lined by a faulty alternator. The battle for second place was set between Mikko Hirvonen and Thierry Neuville. Neuville lost out after he spent 13 seconds visiting a ditch on the final day. Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari, co-driven by Irishman Killian Duffy took the WRC2 win – over 9 minutes faster than Nicolas Fuchs.

SEASON REVIEW

RALLY GUANAJUATO MEXICO 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

S. Ogier/J. Ingrassia M. Hirvonen/J. Lehtinen T. Neuville/N. Gilsoul D. Sordo/C. Del Barrio N. Al-Attiyah/G. Bernacchini C. Atkinson/S. Prévot K. Block/A. Gelsomino B. Guerra/B. Rozada M. Prokop/M. Ernst E. Novikov/I. Minor

Volkswagen Polo R WRC Citroën DS3 WRC Ford Fiesta RS WRC Citroën DS3 WRC Ford Fiesta RS WRC Citroën DS3 WRC Ford Fiesta RS WRC Citroën DS3 WRC Ford Fiesta RS WRC Ford Fiesta RS WRC

4:30:27 4:33:55 4:34:50 4:36:33 4:39:01 4:41:55 4:42:15 4:43:16 4:44:56 4:47:42

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VODAFONE RALLY DE PORTUGAL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

S. Ogier/J. Ingrassia M. Hirvonen/J. Lehtinen J. Latvala/M. Anttila E. Novikov/I. Minor N. Al-Attiyah/G. Bernacchini A. Mikkelsen/M. Markkula M. Prokop/M. Ernst M. Østberg/J. Andersson K. Al Qassimi/S. Martin E. Lappi/J. Ferm

Volkswagen Polo R WRC Citroën DS3 WRC Volkswagen Polo R WRC Ford Fiesta RS WRC Ford Fiesta RS WRC Volkswagen Polo R WRC Ford Fiesta RS WRC Ford Fiesta RS WRC Citroën DS3 WRC ?koda Fabia S2000

4:07:38 4:08:36 4:11:43 4:13:06 4:15:22 4:17:18 4:22:42 4:23:22 4:23:35 4:23:59

VODAFONE RALLY DE PORTUGAL A sluggish start by Ogier, due to a gamble on soft tyres, left Mads Østberg in the lead until he parked his Ford on its roof. Attention then focused on Dani Sordo who picked up a couple of stage wins in his Citroën leaving him just 4.4 seconds behind Ogier. Sordo carried on pushing hard and was only 1.3s from Ogier when he slid wide and retired due to the resulting damage. Jari-Matti Latvala was next up. "This is the first day I have been smiling in this car" beamed Latvala. That was before he lost second place after breaking a driveshaft. So, battling flu and a broken rear diff, Sébastien Ogier pulled off the hat-trick! Esapekka Lappi took the WRC2 victory after hotly-tipped Robert Kubica had a variety of mechanical issues. Pontus Tidemand collected the WRC3 trophy.

SEASON REVIEW

NESTE OIL RALLY FINLAND The results hide the battle which raged for the win in Finland. Sébastien Ogier may have taken the win once again but the event lead changed six times, first Ogier then Mikko Hirvonen. Thierry Neuville had a good hold on the event for a few stages until Mads Østberg got in front. Then Ogier fought back up to the top, Østberg again, then the lead rested with Ogier. While all this was going on, Kris Meeke from Northern Ireland was battling for fifth position. Evgeny Novikov had an off in front of Meeke, leaving Meeke stuck behind him unable to pass. The organisers returned Meeke's lost time but he rolled out of the event. Jari Ketomaa won WRC2 from Robert Kubica while Alastair Fisher and Keith Cronin dominated WRC3. Cronin took the win after Fisher rolled out while leading.

ADAC RALLYE DEUTSCHLAND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

D. Sordo/C. Del Barrio T. Neuville/N. Gilsoul M. Hirvonen/J. Lehtinen M. Prokop/M. Ernst R. Kubica/M. Baran E. Evans/D. Barritt J. Latvala/M. Anttila H. Paddon/J. Kennard M. Østberg/J. Andersson E. Novikov/I. Minor

Citroën DS3 WRC Ford Fiesta RS WRC Citroën DS3 WRC Ford Fiesta RS WRC Citroën DS3 RRC Ford Fiesta R5 Volkswagen Polo R WRC ?koda Fabia S2000 Ford Fiesta RS WRC Ford Fiesta RS WRC

ADAC RALLYE DEUTSCHLAND After Dani Sordo struggled with pace in Finland, he was out with something to prove. In Germany he did just that scoring his first WRC win. At first it looked like Sébastien Ogier was going to win again, but braking on a damp patch sent him off and broke the Polo. Jari-Matti Latvala was in the lead but Thierry Neuville was pushing hard. The pair battled long and hard until Latvala eventually had an off caused by suspension damage. On the same stage as Latvala's retirement, Neuville damaged his exhaust causing a lack of power. This was just enough for Sordo to take the lead. Robert Kubica completed a hat-trick of WRC2 wins after a rally long battle with Elfyn Evans who had moved to the category. WRC3 went to Sébastien Chardonnet, beating Keith Cronin who suffered brake issues, a puncture, a few offs and other problems, but still finished second.

NESTE OIL RALLY FINLAND 3:15:19 3:16:12 3:17:55 3:23:20 3:24:20 3:24:33 3:25:14 3:28:20 3:28:47 3:30:37

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

S. Ogier/J. Ingrassia T. Neuville/N. Gilsoul M. Østberg/J. Andersson M. Hirvonen/J. Lehtinen D. Sordo/C. Del Barrio E. Novikov/I. Minor J. Ketomaa/M. Sallinen P. Andersson/E. Axelsson R. Kubica/M. Baran A. Mikkelsen/M. Markkula

Volkswagen Polo R WRC Ford Fiesta RS WRC Ford Fiesta RS WRC Citroën DS3 WRC Citroën DS3 WRC Ford Fiesta RS WRC Ford Fiesta R5 Ford Fiesta RS WRC Citroën DS3 RRC Volkswagen Polo R WRC

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2:43:10 2:43:47 2:44:08 2:44:32 2:49:18 2:51:50 2:54:29 2:54:51 2:55:58 2:56:52

SEASON REVIEW

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COATES HIRE RALLY AUSTRALIA 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

S. Ogier/J. Ingrassia T. Neuville/N. Gilsoul M. Hirvonen/J. Lehtinen J. Latvala/M. Anttila M. Østberg/J. Andersson A. Mikkelsen/M. Markkula E. Novikov/I. Minor N. Quinn/G. MacNeall K. Al Qassimi/S. Martin A. Al-Kuwari/K. Duffy

Volkswagen Polo R WRC Ford Fiesta RS WRC Citroën DS3 WRC Volkswagen Polo R WRC Ford Fiesta RS WRC Volkswagen Polo R WRC Ford Fiesta RS WRC Mini John Cooper Works WRC Citroën DS3 WRC Ford Fiesta RRC

3:19:55 3:21:27 3:21:57 3:22:52 3:23:12 3:23:32 3:27:26 3:33:05 3:35:12 3:37:22

COATES HIRE RALLY AUSTRALIA Sébastien Ogier won the rally and came tantalising close to lifting the championship crown. Kris Meeke was back for a second chance with Citroën and held second place early on after qualifying first. "He's brilliant" exclaimed Mikko Hirvonen who was holding third. Meeke slipped to third, then fourth after a start line stall let Thierry Neuville past. Meeke was there to score manufacturer points, not to win, but he rolled out of leg two. Returning to the stages for leg three only to roll out again. The chances of Meeke getting a full time drive for 2014 look slim. It looked like Ogier was going to sew up the championship here, until a last stage puncture for Hirvonen promoted Neuville, leaving Ogier one point short of the title! Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari and co-driver Killian Duffy won WRC2, moving them ahead of Robert Kubica.

RALLYE DE FRANCE-ALSACE

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

S. Ogier/J. Ingrassia D. Sordo/C. Del Barrio J. Latvala/M. Anttila T. Neuville/N. Gilsoul E. Novikov/I. Minor M. Hirvonen/J. Lehtinen A. Mikkelsen/M. Markkula M. Østberg/J. Andersson R. Kubica/M. Baran R. Dumas/D. Giraudet

RALLYE DE FRANCE-ALSACE The first stage in France was the power stage, could Thierry Neuville win it to keep his championship chances alive? No, Dani Sordo's Citroën won the stage and Volkswagen erupted in celebration – Sébastien Ogier had taken the Drivers’ Championship in the brand new Polo. The party had to wait as there was a rally to run and it was the final World Rally Championship round for Sébastien Loeb. Loeb was immediately on the pace, taking the rally lead from Sordo. Gambling on the weather, Thierry Neuville had a stunning run to take the lead from Loeb who now struggled with a poor tyre choice. A massive battle ensued between Neuville, Ogier, Loeb, Jari-Matti Latvala and Dani Sordo. The unbelievable happened on leg three, Loeb rolled out of his final event! In WRC2 Robert Kubica won to retake the championship lead with Elfyn Evans and Robert Barrable fourth. Quentin Gilbert won WRC3, Sébastien Chardonnet took second and the championship, and Keith Cronin was third.

Volkswagen Polo R WRC Citroën DS3 WRC Volkswagen Polo R WRC Ford Fiesta RS WRC Ford Fiesta RS WRC Citroën DS3 WRC Volkswagen Polo R WRC Ford Fiesta RS WRC Citroën DS3 RRC Ford Fiesta RS WRC

2:53:07 2:53:19 2:53:27 2:54:21 2:56:18 2:56:45 2:57:11 2:57:42 3:02:39 3:05:03

SEASON REVIEW RALLYRACC RALLY DE ESPANA Sébastien Ogier fought from the back to take a most impressive win from team mate JariMatti Latvala in the first Volkswagen 1-2. After leading for the first two stages, Ogier was put on the back foot when punctured after hitting a rock on SS6 losing almost a minute and dropping to sixth. The fight for the lead was on between Latvala and Dani Sordo. By day three, Ogier was still over 45 seconds behind but as the event switched to gravel roads, he was in an ideal position to benefit from road sweeping. Sordo retired with suspension damage and Latvala was hampered with transmission issues and an under-bonnet fire. Volkswagen won the manufacturers title. Robert Kubica won WRC2 and became World Champion in the process. Yazeed Al Rajhi was second after Elfyn Evans damaged his Fiesta and Robert Barrable was third. Enrique Ojeda won the WRC3 class.

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Volkswagen Polo R WRC Citroën DS3 WRC Volkswagen Polo R WRC Ford Fiesta RS WRC Ford Fiesta RS WRC Citroën DS3 WRC Volkswagen Polo R WRC Ford Fiesta RS WRC Citroën DS3 RRC Ford Fiesta RS WRC

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G L A D I A T O R S Volkswagen Motorsport exploded into the World Rally Championship with a stunning second place. Sébastien Ogier was only beaten by maestro Sébastien Loeb in his Citroën. With Loeb only competing on four events in 2013, this was a warning for the established teams.

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BELOW:Latvala and Antilla navigate the climbs at this years even in Argentina

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he 2013 World Rally Championship season is the forty-first season of the World Rally Championship, an auto racing championship recognised by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile as the highest class of international rallying. The season will be run over thirteen rallies, starting with the Rallye Monte Carlo on 16 January, and finishing with the Wales Rally of Great Britain on 17 November. Volkswagen entered the series as a constructor with the Polo R WRC, while Ford and Mini ended their factory support for the Fiesta RS WRC and John Cooper Works WRC respectively, though both continued to make their cars available to customer teams. The 2013 season also marks the first appearances of the Super 2000 and Group N replacement category, Group R. As part of this introduction, the support series – Super 2000, Group N Production Cars and the World Rally Championship Academy – were restructured, with the Super 2000, fourwheel-drive Group R and Group N categories reorganised as the FIA World Rally Championship-2, two-wheel-drive Group R categories becoming FIA World Rally Championship-3, and the WRC Academy becoming the FIA Junior World Rally Championship. An FIA Production Car Cup will also be awarded to a registered entrant in WRC-2 who is driving a Group N car. Sébastien Loeb started the season as the defending World Champion after securing his ninth title at the 2012. However, Loeb will not return to contest the full 2013 season.Citroën are the defending Constructors' Champions. Both Loeb and Citroën secured their titles at the 2012 Rallye de France – Alsace. Volkswagen Motorsport driver Sébastien Ogier won the Drivers' Championship at the Rallye de France-Alsace, after Qatar World Rally Team driver Thierry Neuville failed to score maximum points on the rally-opening power stage. Neuville stands second in the championship with 143 points. In third, 18 points behind is Ogier's team mate, Jari-Matti Latvala. In the Manufacturers' Championship, Volkswagen Motorsport lead by 80 points from second placed Abu Dhabi Citroën Total World Rally Team with Qatar World Rally Team third, 102 points further behind.

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MAIN FEATURE

The opening event of the season was run in difficult conditions SĂŠbastien Loeb secured a record seventh victory on the event, winning by over a minute and a half.

W A L E S R A L L Y G B 2 0 1 3 This year the rally moves to North Wales, with a bespoke Service Park and three RallyFest stages, plus the return of some classic forest action â&#x20AC;&#x201C; there is more to see and do than ever.

RALLYFEST STAGES The stages at Sweet Lamb in Powys on Friday, Chirk Castle near Wrexham on Saturday and Kinmel Park in Conwy on Sunday have been designated as special RallyFest Stages which will provide a wide range of facilities and entertainment not traditionally found in the forests. Please arrive at these stages in plenty of time to catch the entertainment before the first competitive cars arrive â&#x20AC;&#x201C; remember that availability at car parks is on a strictly first come, first served basis.

QUALIFYING Qualifying (for the WRC teams) and Shakedown (for the crews in the support championships and other amateur crews in the international event) will take place at a completely new venue called Oneplanet Adventure Cafe and Mountain Bike Centre in Coed Llandegla forest on Thursday 14th November. Qualifying permits the world's top drivers two runs of the forest stage as free practice commencing at 07:00 before completing their one final timed run (from 10:45) which will determine the order in which they select their starting position for the start of the rally later the same day. It also enables crews to make any final adjustments to their cars for the competitive forest stages they will encounter over the forthcoming days. The stage will then be opened to the remaining competitors for Shakedown, non-competitive testing, from approximately 11:30. More information can be found on page 94.

All information correct at time of press

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Open 09:00-16:30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; attractions include: ts ut l e Big screen with live stage coverage and live commentary O d Foo Catering village Static display by nine Slowly Sideways cars including a Lancia 037, Audi Quattro A2, Fiat Stilo Abarth and Ford Escort Cosworth Variety of other attractions and trade stands Entertainment and prize giveaways on the music stage including live music from The Gramotones at xx:xx

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HELP CONTROL A SERIOUS TREE DISEASE Natural Resources Wales welcomes you to the Wales Rally GB. We hope you enjoy your visit to our woodlands, but that you will also take time to read and follow the precautions below to support our efforts to contain the spread of a fatal tree disease. A fungus-like organism known as Phytophthora ramorum has killed larch trees in some of the woodlands through which the rally will pass. It is harmless to people and animals but kills many kinds of trees and shrubs in gardens and the countryside. The microscopic seeds, known as spores, that cause this disease are spread by rain, wind and rivers and by the movement of contaminated soil, plant debris or foliage stuck to vehicles, clothing and footwear. We can’t do much about the weather but we must do all we can to reduce the risk of carrying the spores between woodlands in Wales or further afield. HOW YOU CAN HELP These simple precautions will reduce the risk of taking this disease home with you.

Vehicles After the rally, remove as much mud as possible from your vehicle before leaving the site. At home, wash your vehicle thoroughly, preferably in a car wash on your way home or when you get there. Clothing At the rally, wear smooth-textured waterproofs, if you have them with you, as these clothes are easiest to wipe clean. After the rally, shake or brush any needles and debris from clothing before leaving the site. Check hoods, pockets and collars for any trapped needles. At home, launder clothing before wearing it in your garden or another woodland. Footwear At the rally: wear wellington boots, if you have them with you, because their surfaces are easier to clean than other materials. After the rally, remove any loose plant debris from footwear before leaving the site. At home, clean all soil, needles and plant debris from footwear before wearing them again. Thank you for helping us protect Wales’s woodlands from this serious disease.

FLEECE JACKET Wales Rally GB 2013 Fleece Jacket, embroidered with the WRGB and WRC logo on the chest and Wales Rally GB Rally of Legends on the back and down the sleeve. Full zip Grey fleece, with Red contrasting panels. Code: WRGB13-F Size: XS,S,M,L,XL,XXL Price: Price: £49.95 46493

HOODIE Wales Rally GB 2013 Hoodie, polycotton with embroidered logos, featuring the WRGB logo and WRC logo on the chest, Wales Rally GB Rally of Legends slogan down the sleeve and back. Grey with Red contrast panelling, drawcords and inside the hood. Code:WRGB13-H Size: XS,S,M,L,XL,XXL Price: £34.95 46493

GOLDEN GIRL AMY JOINS THE RALLY Tony Jardine approached me with a seemingly impossible challenge. He wanted to turn a skeleton Olympic gold medallist into a top international co driver in just under 10 weeks. I said yes without thinking! The Merrick Stages in Scotland marked the start to my rally challenge. Myself and Tony managed to scoop a first in class win and it was a massive confidence boost for me. I realised there was a whole lot more to co-driving than just navigating, but I coped thanks to my wonderful mentors, top WRC co-driver Daniel Barritt and Olly Marshall at ProSpeed. The next step for me was Rally Yorkshire, where I was confident, yet apprehensive about the daunting night stages. Surprisingly, visibility was better than I thought with a first class result.

CAP Wales Rally GB 2013 Cap, brushed cotton with embroidered logos, WRGB logo on the centre front, Wales Rally GB Rally of Legends on one side and WRC on the other, fully adjustable. Code:WRGB13-CAP Price: £15.00

RALLY NEWS

OFFICIAL MERCHANDISE POLOSHIRT

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Wales Rally GB 2013 Poloshirt, cotton pique Poloshirt with embroidered logos, WRGB logo and WRC logo embroidered on the chest, Grey with Red contrast panelling. Code:WRGB13-MP Price: £24.95 Size: XS,S,M,L,XL,XXL

CHILDREN’S T-SHIRT Wales Rally GB T-shirt, Cotton with printed logos, WRGB and WRC logo printed on the chest and on the back the list of 'legends' who have won every rally since 1953. Code:WRGB13-CTS Size: 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, 9/10 Price: £16.95 46493

MUG Wales Rally GB 2013 Mug, printed logos, Wales Rally GB logo on the front, list of 'Legends' names of every driver that has won the rally since 1953. Code:WRGB13-MUG Price: £6.95

WRC SLOUCH BEANIE

CITROEN 2013 TEAM T-SHIRT

A fleece lined slouch beanie style hat with the WRC logo embroidered on the front. Code:WRC13-SH (One Size) Price: £12.95

Abu Dhabi Citroen Total World Rally Team Tshirt featuring the 2013 design and sponsors.100% Cotton with printed logos. Code:C13-T1 Size: S,M,L,XL,XXL Price: £25.00

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BEANIE HAT

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Wales Rally GB 2013 Knitted Beanie, embroidered logos, one size. Code:WRGB13-SH Price: £15.00

T-SHIRT Wales Rally GB T-shirt, Cotton with printed logos, WRGB and WRC logo printed on the chest and on the back the list of 'legends' who have won every rally since 1953. Code:WRGB13-MTS Size: X,S,M,L,XL,XXL Price: £19.95

HOONIGAN FLAT PEAK CAP

WRC SWEATSHIRT

A quarter Zip Sweatshirt branded with the WRC logo on the left breast and back. The sponsor logos are embroidered on the right Wales Rally GB 2013 Hoodie, polycotton with embroidered WRGB and WRC logos on the chest, sleeve. Material: 100% Polyester Wales Rally GB Rally of Legends slogan down Code:WRC13-MS Price: £49.95 the sleeve and back. Grey with Red contrast Size: Mens: XS,S,M,L,XL,XXL panelling, drawcords and inside the hood. Size: Ladies: XS,S,M,LXL Code:WRGB13-KH Size: 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, 9/10 Price: £29.95 IPHONE COVER Wales Rally GB 2013 iPhone Cover, silicone KEYRING iPhone cover with printed logos, available in Wales Rally GB 2013 'light up' Keyring, rubberised size for iPhone 4 or iPhone 5. Price: £5.95 keyring with moulded logos, press keying and an Code:WRGB13-IPHONE LED light's up and can be used as a torch. Code:WRGB13-K Price: £3.95 QATAR MWRT

KIDS HOODIE

TEAM T-SHIRT PIN BADGE

Ford Oval and Icepeak logos printed on the left breast and QMWRT and Castrol Edge logos on Wales Rally GB 2013 Pin Badge, metal pin badge filled with enamel, featuring the dated the right breast. Ford Oval logo is also printed logo, this is a must have souvenir of the event! on the back of the T-Shirt. Price: £20.00 Code:WRGB13-PB Price: £2.00 Code:F13-T1

Hoonigan Censor Bar Snapback black and White. Also available in Grey and Orange. Tall crown flat brim 5 panel custom built snap back. Material: 100% polyester. One Size Code:H13-CAP Price: £24.95

CITROEN REMOTE CONTROL CAR Citroen WRC Remote Control Car, Sebastian Loeb, 1:16 scale 2011. Suitable for children over 6 years old, all directional action. Code:C13-RCCAR Price: £25.00

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QATAR MWRT FLEECE JACKET KEN BLOCK 2013 TEAM T-SHIRT Ken Block T-shirt featuring the 2013 Hoonigan Racing Division team design and logos, 100% cotton, printed logos. Code:KB13-TTSB Size: S,M,L,XL,XXL Price: £39.95

This Fleece has the Ford Oval and Icepeak logo on the left breast with the Castrol Edge and Qatar logo on the right breast. The MSport and Ford Ecoboost logos on the left sleeve and Ford Racing and Icepeak on the right sleeve. ?Material: 100% Polyester Code:F13-FJ Size: S,M,L,XL,XXL Price: £50.00