Dayinsure Wales Rally GB

Fast gravel roads in remote forests. Picture-postcard scenery as British autumn offers a fantastic myriad of colours.
Familiar itinerary in mid and north Wales with few changes from 2016. Based around Deeside service park.
After a Thursday night curtain-raiser, Friday’s opening leg includes classic Myherin, Sweet Lamb and Hafren stages. All are driven twice, with just a pause for fresh tyres splitting the passes.
A marathon 17-hour Saturday includes a double loop of stages in Dyfi and Gartheiniog, before two night tests close the action.
Final leg is the most northerly, with the picturesque Brenig again forming the final live TV Power Stage.

Tree-lined forest tracks are not technically difficult, but are treacherous in muddy conditions.
Unpredictable weather can bring, rain, ice and fog.
Inconsistent and ever-changing 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, 341 competitors started 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 largely in Wales since 2000.
Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium hosted the WRC’s first indoor stage in 2005.

Thursday night’s short opening stage at Tir Prince trotting track.
Famous Dyfnant test, driven in the opening leg in 2016, moves back to Saturday slot.
Return of night stages in Dyfnant and Aberhirnant to end daunting Saturday leg.
Gwydyr test in Snowdonia mountains is back in Sunday’s itinerary for first time since 2013.

Superb viewing at Sweet Lamb’s famous arena on Friday. Drivers tackle the test twice.
Competitors will pause in the historic city of Chester on Friday evening to meet fans and sign autographs.
Cholmondeley Castle – the short spectator-friendly parkland test on Saturday afternoon provides WRC action and plenty more family entertainment. Perfect for the kids!

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