Come mid-November, the WRC will arrive in the UK for its traditional climax on Wales Rally GB.
Every year revisions are needed to the route, so although the event will again be based alongside the Toyota Manufacturing Plant in Deeside, competitors will face a whole new challenging itinerary.
These modifications not only add to the challenge, but also improve the vantage points, entertainment and safety for the tens of thousands of spectators keen to catch the dramatic action.
The final route will not be revealed until the end of May, but key figures within the rally organisation have been meticulously plotting this year’s schedule.
Wales Rally GB managing director, Ben Taylor, was joined last week by route co-ordinator Andrew Kellitt and safety co-ordinator Sue Sanders for a fact-finding tour around the forest tracks that are likely to feature in 2015.
Some of the familiar special stages in mid and north Wales may only need minor revisions, others could be replaced altogether, either due to wind farm development, the forestry activity of event partner Natural Resources Wales, or simply to ensure a workable three-day timetable for competitors and fans.
“It’s all about giving everyone involved the best possible experience,” explained Taylor.
“From the competitors’ perspective the aim is to include exciting new challenges alongside the classic Welsh forest stages that make this event so amazing.
“This year, however, we are putting much greater emphasis on giving the spectators a great experience and managing their safety, particularly in the open environment of the forests. Going through the stages was really helpful and we are starting to put together some exciting plans for November.”
