Rally Norway

After producing some of the world's most dynamic and charismatic drivers - including a World Champion - the Norwegians have been rewarded with their own FIA World Rally Championship round. Like its sister event, Uddeholm Swedish Rally, Rally Norway will be an all-snow round, making it one of only two in the entire championship. Temperatures at this time of year could drop to as low as -30C, and snow is a certainty.

Rally Norway applied for WRC status in 2006, and after a successful candidate event, it was awarded a date in the 2007 calendar. Like Sweden, Norway will be an extremely fast rally. The speed will have to be tempered with caution though. Roadside snow-banks will offer a cushion for the lack of grip, but as always, they may be as dangerous as they are helpful. Tyre choice here will be extremely important.

As with Finland and Sweden, Norway will allow local Scandinavian talent to shine on a surface that WRC drivers have previously experienced only once a year. In recent years, Henning Solberg has performed extremely well on his home roads, and Norway's homegrown hero added a victory here in 2006 to his growing résumé with a margin of over five minutes.

But, perhaps the most interesting aspect of Rally Norway is the 'Viking Ship', Hamar¹s Olympic Hall. This facility will house an indoor service park, which means a chance to stay warm during the service breaks for the mechanics, engineers, spectators and media.

Previous Winners

2007 Mikko Hirvonen (Ford Focus)
2006 Henning Solberg* (Peugeot 307)
* Candidate WRC Rally