The FIA World Rally Championship is about sport, competition and, of course, adventure. And that sense of adventure is at its most obvious on events like the penultimate round of the series, the Central European Rally (17 - 20 October).
Pleckensteiner Wald is the place if you’re in Germany. Done there? Then take a step to the right. Welcome to Austria. And now one pace forwards… hello from Czech Republic. Three countries in three steps. The tri-nation aspect of the event brings a unique fascination to the WRC season – as well as the make-believe backdrop for some 007-style stories of espionage and intrigue. There’s always something exciting about an international border, so to have three in one rally is a real treat.
Beyond the borders, the vista’s pretty similar and its one of the most stunning of the season. Admittedly, the mountains are someway short of the South American Andes – the foothills of which provided the round 12 action just three weeks ago – but they’re still impressive. And when it’s not the peaks, it’s the woods which catch the eye. Bavarian or Bohemian, depending which side of the border you’re on, the forests are beautiful.
Fri 11 Oct 2024
Three countries, one rally: Central Europe awaits
If James Bond took up rallying – and it’s safe to assume his skills behind the wheel are up to it – he would be in Central Europe next week.
In terms of the competition, CER is one of the most challenging rallies of the year. Just when you think you’ve got the set-up sussed, the clouds come in. It’s not raining here, over there could be a very different story. And beneath those trees? Damp or dry? Go see, but tread carefully.
And all in an arena which brings fans in from across, well, central Europe. The final European chapter in the page-turner that’s been WRC 2024 is going to be just as enthralling as the 12 which have gone before it.
Who needs Ian Fleming when you’ve got the FIA World Rally Championship...?
Japan
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Turkey