World Rally Championship

Included in the WRC for the first time in 2007, this cross-border rally includes stages in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Essentially an asphalt event, the tight and twisty roads in the Sligo Mountains and Fermanagh lake lands are bumpy and narrow - little more than the width of a car in places - and feature many surface changes. The more northerly stages close to the border are run on agricultural roads strewn with dirt and mud. On these, and some of the more abrasive, broken sections, a more gravel-based car set-up tends to work better than a traditional smooth asphalt specification. Choosing the best set-up for such specialized conditions is difficult but local knowledge certainly helps. And with a hugely competitive national rally scene, there is no shortage of local drivers capable of worrying the WRC regulars.

Included in the WRC for the first time in 2007, this cross-border rally includes stages in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Essentially an asphalt event, the tight and twisty roads in the Sligo Mountains and Fermanagh lake lands are bumpy and narrow - little more than the width of a car in places - and feature many surface changes. The more northerly stages close to the border are run on agricultural roads strewn with dirt and mud. On these, and some of the more abrasive, broken sections, a more gravel-based car set-up tends to work better than a traditional smooth asphalt specification. Choosing the best set-up for such specialized conditions is difficult but local knowledge certainly helps. And with a hugely competitive national rally scene, there is no shortage of local drivers capable of worrying the WRC regulars.

Included in the WRC for the first time in 2007, this cross-border rally includes stages in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Essentially an asphalt event, the tight and twisty roads in the Sligo Mountains and Fermanagh lake lands are bumpy and narrow - little more than the width of a car in places - and feature many surface changes. The more northerly stages close to the border are run on agricultural roads strewn with dirt and mud. On these, and some of the more abrasive, broken sections, a more gravel-based car set-up tends to work better than a traditional smooth asphalt specification. Choosing the best set-up for such specialized conditions is difficult but local knowledge certainly helps. And with a hugely competitive national rally scene, there is no shortage of local drivers capable of worrying the WRC regulars.

Rally Norway is the Norwegian rally which, as of the 2007 season onwards, is part of the World Rally Championship organised by the FIA. Previously, it had long only been the case of the Swedish Rally where a WRC event was held on snow. Driving on snow and ice is considered exotic in the rally context and with the use of Vikingskipet ("The Viking Ship") as indoor service area, Rally Norway is expected to deliver a unique event. The rally springs out of from Rally Finnskog Norway with base in Kongsvinger, but the center of the event will, due to better accommodation and hospitality services, be in Hamar.

Rally Norway is the Norwegian rally which, as of the 2007 season onwards, is part of the World Rally Championship organised by the FIA. Previously, it had long only been the case of the Swedish Rally where a WRC event was held on snow. Driving on snow and ice is considered exotic in the rally context and with the use of Vikingskipet ("The Viking Ship") as indoor service area, Rally Norway is expected to deliver a unique event. The rally springs out of from Rally Finnskog Norway with base in Kongsvinger, but the center of the event will, due to better accommodation and hospitality services, be in Hamar.

Rally Norway is the Norwegian rally which, as of the 2007 season onwards, is part of the World Rally Championship organised by the FIA. Previously, it had long only been the case of the Swedish Rally where a WRC event was held on snow. Driving on snow and ice is considered exotic in the rally context and with the use of Vikingskipet ("The Viking Ship") as indoor service area, Rally Norway is expected to deliver a unique event. The rally springs out of from Rally Finnskog Norway with base in Kongsvinger, but the center of the event will, due to better accommodation and hospitality services, be in Hamar.

Returning to the WRC after a two year absence, Rally Cyprus has undergone a serious makeover. The location is blazing a trail in 2009 as the only event in the season to try a mixed surface format. Organisers say they have already been contacted by other events anxious to find out how it will work. If all goes well, we can expect more mixed-surface events in the future. Cyprus is the first of four rallies this year eligible for the WRC, J-WRC and P-WRC competitions. Once purely a hot, dusty and rough gravel rally - similar in character to the Acropolis Rally of Greece - Cyprus is now the only the rally of the year to feature a mixture of road surfaces. Day one will be contested on asphalt roads, while days two and three will continue to offer the sort of challenging gravel stages for which the event is renowned.

Returning to the WRC after a two year absence, Rally Cyprus has undergone a serious makeover. The location is blazing a trail in 2009 as the only event in the season to try a mixed surface format. Organisers say they have already been contacted by other events anxious to find out how it will work. If all goes well, we can expect more mixed-surface events in the future. Cyprus is the first of four rallies this year eligible for the WRC, J-WRC and P-WRC competitions. Once purely a hot, dusty and rough gravel rally - similar in character to the Acropolis Rally of Greece - Cyprus is now the only the rally of the year to feature a mixture of road surfaces. Day one will be contested on asphalt roads, while days two and three will continue to offer the sort of challenging gravel stages for which the event is renowned.

Returning to the WRC after a two year absence, Rally Cyprus has undergone a serious makeover. The location is blazing a trail in 2009 as the only event in the season to try a mixed surface format. Organisers say they have already been contacted by other events anxious to find out how it will work. If all goes well, we can expect more mixed-surface events in the future. Cyprus is the first of four rallies this year eligible for the WRC, J-WRC and P-WRC competitions. Once purely a hot, dusty and rough gravel rally - similar in character to the Acropolis Rally of Greece - Cyprus is now the only the rally of the year to feature a mixture of road surfaces. Day one will be contested on asphalt roads, while days two and three will continue to offer the sort of challenging gravel stages for which the event is renowned.

Portugal is country with a long rallying tradition. The first Portuguese round of the WRC came in 1973, and for the next 29 years the event went on to become one of the most difficult and notorious rallies on earth. The event earned a reputation for tricky road conditions (often a mix of gravel and asphalt) and unruly crowds of spectators. Most of the pictures showing people swarming around Group B cars as they drove by at full speed were taken in Portugal. In more recent years Portugal was a gravel-only event, based on the west coast near Porto, but in 2001 it was dropped - replaced on the calendar by Rallye Deutschland. In 2007, after two years of candidacy, Portugal's return to the WRC represented a fresh start. The new-look rally moved to a new host town, Vilamoura, in the Algarve holiday region on the south coast. The event base is the Algarve Stadium, where two Super Special stages will be held, while the spectacular gravel stages are located in the Algarve and Alentejo regions.

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.

Portugal is country with a long rallying tradition. The first Portuguese round of the WRC came in 1973, and for the next 29 years the event went on to become one of the most difficult and notorious rallies on earth. The event earned a reputation for tricky road conditions (often a mix of gravel and asphalt) and unruly crowds of spectators. Most of the pictures showing people swarming around Group B cars as they drove by at full speed were taken in Portugal. In more recent years Portugal was a gravel-only event, based on the west coast near Porto, but in 2001 it was dropped - replaced on the calendar by Rallye Deutschland. In 2007, after two years of candidacy, Portugal's return to the WRC represented a fresh start. The new-look rally moved to a new host town, Vilamoura, in the Algarve holiday region on the south coast. The event base is the Algarve Stadium, where two Super Special stages will be held, while the spectacular gravel stages are located in the Algarve and Alentejo regions.

Portugal is country with a long rallying tradition. The first Portuguese round of the WRC came in 1973, and for the next 29 years the event went on to become one of the most difficult and notorious rallies on earth. The event earned a reputation for tricky road conditions (often a mix of gravel and asphalt) and unruly crowds of spectators. Most of the pictures showing people swarming around Group B cars as they drove by at full speed were taken in Portugal. In more recent years Portugal was a gravel-only event, based on the west coast near Porto, but in 2001 it was dropped - replaced on the calendar by Rallye Deutschland. In 2007, after two years of candidacy, Portugal's return to the WRC represented a fresh start. The new-look rally moved to a new host town, Vilamoura, in the Algarve holiday region on the south coast. The event base is the Algarve Stadium, where two Super Special stages will be held, while the spectacular gravel stages are located in the Algarve and Alentejo regions.

One of the WRC's most spectacular and demanding events, Rally Argentina is based from the town of Villa Carlos Paz, 35km south of Cordoba and right in the heart of the stunning Cordobese Sierras. The competitive action takes place in the three valleys of Cordoba province, each of which offers gravel stages of differing character and landscape. The scenery ranges from huge expanses of open plains north of Carlos Paz, to the mountains further west where narrow rocky tracks wind through a dramatic, high altitude landscape that resembles the surface of the moon. In general the stages of Rally Argentina are soft and sandy, with many river crossings, and frequently become rough and rutted on repeat passes. The blend of high speeds and bumpy terrain can make Argentina a car breaker. If that wasn't enough, the high altitude of the stages, just as in Mexico, saps the cars of power as they struggle for breath in the thin air.

One of the WRC's most spectacular and demanding events, Rally Argentina is based from the town of Villa Carlos Paz, 35km south of Cordoba and right in the heart of the stunning Cordobese Sierras. The competitive action takes place in the three valleys of Cordoba province, each of which offers gravel stages of differing character and landscape. The scenery ranges from huge expanses of open plains north of Carlos Paz, to the mountains further west where narrow rocky tracks wind through a dramatic, high altitude landscape that resembles the surface of the moon. In general the stages of Rally Argentina are soft and sandy, with many river crossings, and frequently become rough and rutted on repeat passes. The blend of high speeds and bumpy terrain can make Argentina a car breaker. If that wasn't enough, the high altitude of the stages, just as in Mexico, saps the cars of power as they struggle for breath in the thin air.

One of the WRC's most spectacular and demanding events, Rally Argentina is based from the town of Villa Carlos Paz, 35km south of Cordoba and right in the heart of the stunning Cordobese Sierras. The competitive action takes place in the three valleys of Cordoba province, each of which offers gravel stages of differing character and landscape. The scenery ranges from huge expanses of open plains north of Carlos Paz, to the mountains further west where narrow rocky tracks wind through a dramatic, high altitude landscape that resembles the surface of the moon. In general the stages of Rally Argentina are soft and sandy, with many river crossings, and frequently become rough and rutted on repeat passes. The blend of high speeds and bumpy terrain can make Argentina a car breaker. If that wasn't enough, the high altitude of the stages, just as in Mexico, saps the cars of power as they struggle for breath in the thin air.

One of the WRC's most spectacular and demanding events, Rally Argentina is based from the town of Villa Carlos Paz, 35km south of Cordoba and right in the heart of the stunning Cordobese Sierras. The competitive action takes place in the three valleys of Cordoba province, each of which offers gravel stages of differing character and landscape. The scenery ranges from huge expanses of open plains north of Carlos Paz, to the mountains further west where narrow rocky tracks wind through a dramatic, high altitude landscape that resembles the surface of the moon. In general the stages of Rally Argentina are soft and sandy, with many river crossings, and frequently become rough and rutted on repeat passes. The blend of high speeds and bumpy terrain can make Argentina a car breaker. If that wasn't enough, the high altitude of the stages, just as in Mexico, saps the cars of power as they struggle for breath in the thin air.

The Italian round of the WRC was previously the Rallye San Remo, based on the twisty asphalt roads around the Italian Riviera resort. But in 2004 the event switched from asphalt to gravel and from the mainland to the island of Sardinia where it's remained ever since. Saturday's competition features two new stages, located in the Goceano area in the middle of the island. 'Sa Line' follows the route of an old railway line while 'Fiorentini' is run on forest roads. This year's ceremonial start will be held on the waterfront in Olbia while the finish podium remains in Porto Cervo. The Service Park and administrative hub of the rally are located in the port of Olbia, with the event's stages mostly located in the hilly countryside south west of the city. The regions of Olbia-Tempio, Nuoro, Sassari and Goceano provide a stunning landscape for the opening two days of the rally; while on the third day competitors also head north to the opulent Costa Smerelda region, created by the Aga Khan in the 1960's. The stages themselves are made of fine and sandy gravel and are surprising fast, given their tight, narrow nature. This can provide a real challenge for the drivers as they balance their desire to push with the need to avoid the numerous stones and rocks that litter the roadside.

The Italian round of the WRC was previously the Rallye San Remo, based on the twisty asphalt roads around the Italian Riviera resort. But in 2004 the event switched from asphalt to gravel and from the mainland to the island of Sardinia where it's remained ever since. Saturday's competition features two new stages, located in the Goceano area in the middle of the island. 'Sa Line' follows the route of an old railway line while 'Fiorentini' is run on forest roads. This year's ceremonial start will be held on the waterfront in Olbia while the finish podium remains in Porto Cervo. The Service Park and administrative hub of the rally are located in the port of Olbia, with the event's stages mostly located in the hilly countryside south west of the city. The regions of Olbia-Tempio, Nuoro, Sassari and Goceano provide a stunning landscape for the opening two days of the rally; while on the third day competitors also head north to the opulent Costa Smerelda region, created by the Aga Khan in the 1960's. The stages themselves are made of fine and sandy gravel and are surprising fast, given their tight, narrow nature. This can provide a real challenge for the drivers as they balance their desire to push with the need to avoid the numerous stones and rocks that litter the roadside.

The Italian round of the WRC was previously the Rallye San Remo, based on the twisty asphalt roads around the Italian Riviera resort. But in 2004 the event switched from asphalt to gravel and from the mainland to the island of Sardinia where it's remained ever since. Saturday's competition features two new stages, located in the Goceano area in the middle of the island. 'Sa Line' follows the route of an old railway line while 'Fiorentini' is run on forest roads. This year's ceremonial start will be held on the waterfront in Olbia while the finish podium remains in Porto Cervo. The Service Park and administrative hub of the rally are located in the port of Olbia, with the event's stages mostly located in the hilly countryside south west of the city. The regions of Olbia-Tempio, Nuoro, Sassari and Goceano provide a stunning landscape for the opening two days of the rally; while on the third day competitors also head north to the opulent Costa Smerelda region, created by the Aga Khan in the 1960's. The stages themselves are made of fine and sandy gravel and are surprising fast, given their tight, narrow nature. This can provide a real challenge for the drivers as they balance their desire to push with the need to avoid the numerous stones and rocks that litter the roadside.

The Italian round of the WRC was previously the Rallye San Remo, based on the twisty asphalt roads around the Italian Riviera resort. But in 2004 the event switched from asphalt to gravel and from the mainland to the island of Sardinia where it's remained ever since. Saturday's competition features two new stages, located in the Goceano area in the middle of the island. 'Sa Line' follows the route of an old railway line while 'Fiorentini' is run on forest roads. This year's ceremonial start will be held on the waterfront in Olbia while the finish podium remains in Porto Cervo. The Service Park and administrative hub of the rally are located in the port of Olbia, with the event's stages mostly located in the hilly countryside south west of the city. The regions of Olbia-Tempio, Nuoro, Sassari and Goceano provide a stunning landscape for the opening two days of the rally; while on the third day competitors also head north to the opulent Costa Smerelda region, created by the Aga Khan in the 1960's. The stages themselves are made of fine and sandy gravel and are surprising fast, given their tight, narrow nature. This can provide a real challenge for the drivers as they balance their desire to push with the need to avoid the numerous stones and rocks that litter the roadside.

First run in 1953, the Greek event is one of the longest-standing in world rallying. The mix of rough, twisty mountain stages, blistering heat and choking dust makes the Acropolis Rally of Greece the toughest on the WRC calendar. Cars have to be built extra-sturdy to cope with the surprisingly fast, but rock-strewn stages, while drivers and co-drivers have to be at peak physical fitness to cope with the pounding terrain and temperatures in the cockpit which can top 50 degrees Celsius. The twisty, boulder-filled stages place huge demands on engine and cockpit cooling, as natural airflow is limited by the slow cornering speeds. The suspension and underside of the car, however, take a huge pounding from the rocks hurled up by the car and tyre wear can be a big issue. You need brains to win here, as much as brawn.

First run in 1953, the Greek event is one of the longest-standing in world rallying. The mix of rough, twisty mountain stages, blistering heat and choking dust makes the Acropolis Rally of Greece the toughest on the WRC calendar. Cars have to be built extra-sturdy to cope with the surprisingly fast, but rock-strewn stages, while drivers and co-drivers have to be at peak physical fitness to cope with the pounding terrain and temperatures in the cockpit which can top 50 degrees Celsius. The twisty, boulder-filled stages place huge demands on engine and cockpit cooling, as natural airflow is limited by the slow cornering speeds. The suspension and underside of the car, however, take a huge pounding from the rocks hurled up by the car and tyre wear can be a big issue. You need brains to win here, as much as brawn.

First run in 1953, the Greek event is one of the longest-standing in world rallying. The mix of rough, twisty mountain stages, blistering heat and choking dust makes the Acropolis Rally of Greece the toughest on the WRC calendar. Cars have to be built extra-sturdy to cope with the surprisingly fast, but rock-strewn stages, while drivers and co-drivers have to be at peak physical fitness to cope with the pounding terrain and temperatures in the cockpit which can top 50 degrees Celsius. The twisty, boulder-filled stages place huge demands on engine and cockpit cooling, as natural airflow is limited by the slow cornering speeds. The suspension and underside of the car, however, take a huge pounding from the rocks hurled up by the car and tyre wear can be a big issue. You need brains to win here, as much as brawn.

First run in 1953, the Greek event is one of the longest-standing in world rallying. The mix of rough, twisty mountain stages, blistering heat and choking dust makes the Acropolis Rally of Greece the toughest on the WRC calendar. Cars have to be built extra-sturdy to cope with the surprisingly fast, but rock-strewn stages, while drivers and co-drivers have to be at peak physical fitness to cope with the pounding terrain and temperatures in the cockpit which can top 50 degrees Celsius. The twisty, boulder-filled stages place huge demands on engine and cockpit cooling, as natural airflow is limited by the slow cornering speeds. The suspension and underside of the car, however, take a huge pounding from the rocks hurled up by the car and tyre wear can be a big issue. You need brains to win here, as much as brawn.

Last included as a round of the WRC in 1973, Poland's most prestigious motorsport event celebrates its 66th anniversary this year with a return to the WRC calendar. The event has a long and illustrious history stretching back to 1921, making it the second oldest rally in the world after Rally Monte Carlo. In its earliest form the route covered 600 km and ran back and forth from Warsaw to Bialowieza, but since then the event's location and format has changed considerably. For many years 'Polski' was an asphalt round of the European Championship, based on the roads in the south of the country in Cracow and the Lower Silesia regions. In 2005, however, the rally was moved to the Mazurian Lakes District. A base in the town of Mikolajki provides excellent access to some spectacular gravel stages.

Last included as a round of the WRC in 1973, Poland's most prestigious motorsport event celebrates its 66th anniversary this year with a return to the WRC calendar. The event has a long and illustrious history stretching back to 1921, making it the second oldest rally in the world after Rally Monte Carlo. In its earliest form the route covered 600 km and ran back and forth from Warsaw to Bialowieza, but since then the event's location and format has changed considerably. For many years 'Polski' was an asphalt round of the European Championship, based on the roads in the south of the country in Cracow and the Lower Silesia regions. In 2005, however, the rally was moved to the Mazurian Lakes District. A base in the town of Mikolajki provides excellent access to some spectacular gravel stages.

Last included as a round of the WRC in 1973, Poland's most prestigious motorsport event celebrates its 66th anniversary this year with a return to the WRC calendar. The event has a long and illustrious history stretching back to 1921, making it the second oldest rally in the world after Rally Monte Carlo. In its earliest form the route covered 600 km and ran back and forth from Warsaw to Bialowieza, but since then the event's location and format has changed considerably. For many years 'Polski' was an asphalt round of the European Championship, based on the roads in the south of the country in Cracow and the Lower Silesia regions. In 2005, however, the rally was moved to the Mazurian Lakes District. A base in the town of Mikolajki provides excellent access to some spectacular gravel stages.

Last included as a round of the WRC in 1973, Poland's most prestigious motorsport event celebrates its 66th anniversary this year with a return to the WRC calendar. The event has a long and illustrious history stretching back to 1921, making it the second oldest rally in the world after Rally Monte Carlo. In its earliest form the route covered 600 km and ran back and forth from Warsaw to Bialowieza, but since then the event's location and format has changed considerably. For many years 'Polski' was an asphalt round of the European Championship, based on the roads in the south of the country in Cracow and the Lower Silesia regions. In 2005, however, the rally was moved to the Mazurian Lakes District. A base in the town of Mikolajki provides excellent access to some spectacular gravel stages.

Formerly known as the 1000 Lakes, Neste Rally Finland is one of the most popular events on the WRC calendar. It's a fast gravel affair, with high-speed runs along tree-lined tracks, peppered with fast, flying 'yumps' that demand absolute, balls-out commitment. Rally Finland is based in the bustling student town of Jyvaskyla, located in the lake district area in the centre of the country. To win here, you need a savvy combination of tactical nous, smooth and efficient technique and flat-out commitment to cope with the high speeds, fast kinks and mammoth jumps that litter the smooth, loose-surface stages. Over the years, the event has been dominated by the Scandinavians. They're used to driving on roads like these since they were knee-high to a grasshopper. That local experience counts.

Formerly known as the 1000 Lakes, Neste Rally Finland is one of the most popular events on the WRC calendar. It's a fast gravel affair, with high-speed runs along tree-lined tracks, peppered with fast, flying 'yumps' that demand absolute, balls-out commitment. Rally Finland is based in the bustling student town of Jyvaskyla, located in the lake district area in the centre of the country. To win here, you need a savvy combination of tactical nous, smooth and efficient technique and flat-out commitment to cope with the high speeds, fast kinks and mammoth jumps that litter the smooth, loose-surface stages. Over the years, the event has been dominated by the Scandinavians. They're used to driving on roads like these since they were knee-high to a grasshopper. That local experience counts.

Formerly known as the 1000 Lakes, Neste Rally Finland is one of the most popular events on the WRC calendar. It's a fast gravel affair, with high-speed runs along tree-lined tracks, peppered with fast, flying 'yumps' that demand absolute, balls-out commitment. Rally Finland is based in the bustling student town of Jyvaskyla, located in the lake district area in the centre of the country. To win here, you need a savvy combination of tactical nous, smooth and efficient technique and flat-out commitment to cope with the high speeds, fast kinks and mammoth jumps that litter the smooth, loose-surface stages. Over the years, the event has been dominated by the Scandinavians. They're used to driving on roads like these since they were knee-high to a grasshopper. That local experience counts.

Formerly known as the 1000 Lakes, Neste Rally Finland is one of the most popular events on the WRC calendar. It's a fast gravel affair, with high-speed runs along tree-lined tracks, peppered with fast, flying 'yumps' that demand absolute, balls-out commitment. Rally Finland is based in the bustling student town of Jyvaskyla, located in the lake district area in the centre of the country. To win here, you need a savvy combination of tactical nous, smooth and efficient technique and flat-out commitment to cope with the high speeds, fast kinks and mammoth jumps that litter the smooth, loose-surface stages. Over the years, the event has been dominated by the Scandinavians. They're used to driving on roads like these since they were knee-high to a grasshopper. That local experience counts.

After two years away from the WRC in 2007 and 2008, Rally Australia returns in 2009 with an all-new event. Previously run from the city of Perth, the rally's new base is 4000km away on the east coast in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales (NSW), with the majority of competition taking place in the Tweed and Kyogle Shires. Rally headquarters will be the Salt Resort complex in the town of Kingscliff, while the service park will be constructed on the beach nearby. Gone are the red earth and ball-bearing like gravel roads of the old event. Instead, competitors will face a brand new an unfamiliar challenge. The route includes high speed hard packed gravel stages located in the Kyogle, Murwillumbah and Mullumbimby areas.

After two years away from the WRC in 2007 and 2008, Rally Australia returns in 2009 with an all-new event. Previously run from the city of Perth, the rally's new base is 4000km away on the east coast in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales (NSW), with the majority of competition taking place in the Tweed and Kyogle Shires. Rally headquarters will be the Salt Resort complex in the town of Kingscliff, while the service park will be constructed on the beach nearby. Gone are the red earth and ball-bearing like gravel roads of the old event. Instead, competitors will face a brand new an unfamiliar challenge. The route includes high speed hard packed gravel stages located in the Kyogle, Murwillumbah and Mullumbimby areas.

After two years away from the WRC in 2007 and 2008, Rally Australia returns in 2009 with an all-new event. Previously run from the city of Perth, the rally's new base is 4000km away on the east coast in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales (NSW), with the majority of competition taking place in the Tweed and Kyogle Shires. Rally headquarters will be the Salt Resort complex in the town of Kingscliff, while the service park will be constructed on the beach nearby. Gone are the red earth and ball-bearing like gravel roads of the old event. Instead, competitors will face a brand new an unfamiliar challenge. The route includes high speed hard packed gravel stages located in the Kyogle, Murwillumbah and Mullumbimby areas.

There has been significant change for Spain's round of the WRC in recent years. First the move from the Costa Brava to the Costa Daurada on the other side of Barcelona in 2005, and then a calendar move back to autumn in 2007. The event's nature hasn't changed much, however, with the wide, sweeping asphalt roads providing the fastest sealed-surface stages of the season. Racing driving techniques can pay dividends on the fast asphalt stages as drivers aim for smooth lines through the turns to maximise their speed. The event is based in the PortAventura theme park, in the town of Salou in the Tarragona region. It's extremely popular with spectators - especially the Spanish who were weaned on years of success for double champion and 26-times rally winner Carlos Sainz.

There has been significant change for Spain's round of the WRC in recent years. First the move from the Costa Brava to the Costa Daurada on the other side of Barcelona in 2005, and then a calendar move back to autumn in 2007. The event's nature hasn't changed much, however, with the wide, sweeping asphalt roads providing the fastest sealed-surface stages of the season. Racing driving techniques can pay dividends on the fast asphalt stages as drivers aim for smooth lines through the turns to maximise their speed. The event is based in the PortAventura theme park, in the town of Salou in the Tarragona region. It's extremely popular with spectators - especially the Spanish who were weaned on years of success for double champion and 26-times rally winner Carlos Sainz.

There has been significant change for Spain's round of the WRC in recent years. First the move from the Costa Brava to the Costa Daurada on the other side of Barcelona in 2005, and then a calendar move back to autumn in 2007. The event's nature hasn't changed much, however, with the wide, sweeping asphalt roads providing the fastest sealed-surface stages of the season. Racing driving techniques can pay dividends on the fast asphalt stages as drivers aim for smooth lines through the turns to maximise their speed. The event is based in the PortAventura theme park, in the town of Salou in the Tarragona region. It's extremely popular with spectators - especially the Spanish who were weaned on years of success for double champion and 26-times rally winner Carlos Sainz.

There has been significant change for Spain's round of the WRC in recent years. First the move from the Costa Brava to the Costa Daurada on the other side of Barcelona in 2005, and then a calendar move back to autumn in 2007. The event's nature hasn't changed much, however, with the wide, sweeping asphalt roads providing the fastest sealed-surface stages of the season. Racing driving techniques can pay dividends on the fast asphalt stages as drivers aim for smooth lines through the turns to maximise their speed. The event is based in the PortAventura theme park, in the town of Salou in the Tarragona region. It's extremely popular with spectators - especially the Spanish who were weaned on years of success for double champion and 26-times rally winner Carlos Sainz.

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.

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.

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.

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.