World Rally Championship

Rally Portugal day 1 (2009x12)

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As one of the oldest rallies in the world, Wales 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 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 later developed into a tight, spectator-friendly cloverleaf format rally. Since 2007 the service park has been located in the docklands area of Swansea, providing a more easily accessible location for spectators. Cardiff remains the host city, staging the ceremonial start, the finish and the fan-friendly Super Special stage. The gravel forest stages of south and mid-Wales are fast and flowing and, when wet, can become as slippery as any in the world. As well as the forestry roads, the event features exposed moorland stages in south Wales which are often fog-shrouded. Accurate pace notes are essential throughout.