Cross-border fun at WRC snowfest

The WRC’s Scandinavian snowfest will again be a cross-border event next year with much of the opening leg of Rally Sweden held in Norway.

But while the territory will be familiar to drivers, about 20 per cent of the first full day’s icy action will be new compared to this year.

The second round of the FIA World Rally Championship will be held on 12 - 15 February, returning to its traditional Thursday to Sunday schedule after moving forward 24 hours this year due to a clash with the Winter Olympic Games.

Karlstad will host the start and finish as usual, and its trotting track will be the venue for the opening duels on Thursday evening and a reprise 24 hours later. The service park will be at Hagfors Airport, where all the overnight halts will be based.

Friday’s opening leg includes two Norwegian stages which will be repeated, and a cross-border test on roads not used since 2011, but in the opposite direction. A 15-minute remote service will be held in Kirkenær.

Saturday comprises classic stages in the frozen forests around Hagfors, including the famous Colin’s Crest in Vargåsen. Sunday returns to the same area for just three tests, including the rally-closing Power Stage in Värmullsåsen. The 21 stages cover almost 310km.

A historic event will be held on Friday and Saturday in conjunction with the main rally.