Wales Rally GB

Wales Rally GB comes back again this year as the season closer with a wet, windy and wild December date. The promise of rain, mud and even the possibility of ice all thrown into the mix. The forest stages of south Wales, near to host city Cardiff, are fast and flowing but, when wet, become as slippery as any in the world.

As one of the oldest rallies in the world, Rally GB - known for much of its history as the RAC Rally - has reflected the numerous changes in the sport. From its heyday as a truly national event that roamed around the country and included stages in the North-East, Scotland, the Lake District, the North-West and the Midlands, it has developed into a tight, spectator-friendly cloverleaf format rally. It still pulls in huge, enthusiastic and knowledgeable crowds, however, who are eager to cheer on their heroes - especially the British drivers.

New for 2007, the Service Park has moved from Felindre to SA1, at the marina in Swansea, close to the town centre, providing a more easily accessible location for spectators.

Following the format of Rallye Automobile Monte Carlo, the event will run two stages in the darkness both Friday and Saturday, as the last stage of the leg.

Cardiff will continue as Host City, staging the Ceremonial Start and the Finish, both at a new location near City Hall. The fan-friendly Millennium Stadium Superspecial stage in Cardiff (host to numerous national soccer and rugby finals and internationals) makes another appearance at the event on Saturday, providing a spectacular centrepiece for the rally. To purchase tickets for the superspecial go the Wales Rally GB's website

Both Cardiff and nearby Swansea are thriving metropolitan areas that have undergone considerable facelifts in recent years, and now have unique cosmopolitan personalities to match the best in Europe. From here, the cars head out into the hills and forests of southern Wales for the competitive action.

2006 Marcus Gronholm (Ford Focus RS)
2005 Petter Solberg (Subaru Impreza)
2004 Petter Solberg (Subaru Impreza)
2003 Petter Solberg (Subaru Impreza)
2002 Petter Solberg (Subaru Impreza)
2001 Marcus Gronholm (Peugeot 206)
2000 Richard Burns (Subaru Impreza)
1999 Richard Burns (Subaru Impreza)
1998 Richard Burns (Mitsubishi Carisma)
1997 Colin McRae (Subaru Impreza)
1996 Armin Schwarz (Toyota Celica)