Wales Rally GB

Revised format with a greater emphasis on north Wales.
Friday’s opening leg mixes the second and third days from 2013, taking in classic central Wales roads in Dyfi, Gartheiniog and Hafren Forests.
It contains almost half the rally’s competitive distance with only a 15-minute remote service.
Saturday’s action is closer to the Deeside service park. Most roads are familiar from last year but many will be used in the opposite direction. A short Sunday leg concludes the season.
Short fan-friendly parkland stages are included on Saturday and Sunday, with Saturday’s Chirk Castle stage on asphalt.

Fast, tree-lined forest tracks are not technically difficult, but made difficult by muddy and slippery conditions.
Unpredictable weather can bring, rain, snow, ice and fog.
Uncertain grip as isolated patches of mud or ice can trap the unwary.
Logs piled high close to the edge of roads must be avoided at all costs.

Founded in 1932, 367 crews entered the inaugural Royal Automobile Club Rally.
Introduction of forest roads in 1960 transformed the rally into what we know today.
Route formerly included loops around England, Scotland and Wales but the rally has been based solely in Wales since 2000.
Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium hosted the WRC’s first indoor stage in 2005.

Three days of competition after opening Thursday evening leg is axed.
Thursday night ceremonial start moved from Conwy to Colwyn Bay.
More driving in the dark as late Saturday afternoon tests increases night-time distance from 24km to 36km.

The final stage finish of the 2014 FIA World Rally Championship. The 10.59km Brenig test, which has never been used in the rally, ends with a glorious backdrop overlooking Lake Brenig. It’s the live TV Power Stage and the footage will be a match for anywhere else in the championship.

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