2016 ADAC Rallye Deutschland itinerary stands

• New Special Stages near Trier as an attraction for spectators on rally-Friday
• Comeback of the Freisen-Westrich Special Stage
• The Sauertal Special Stage to be the new Power Stage
• Again, five Special Stages on the legendary Panzerplatte

Munich/Trier, 14 April 2016 Latest milestone in the preparations for the 2016 ADAC Rallye Deutschland: The itinerary of the German FIA WRC rally has been adopted. This year, the work agenda of WRC Champion Sébastien Ogier and the other WRC stars includes 18 Special Stages covering some 306km. Clerk of the Course Alfred Rommelfanger and his organising team have added new sections and new challenges to this year's itinerary to keep both the fans and the participants on their toes.

The ADAC Rallye Deutschland will take place from 18 to 21 August 2016 in the greater Trier area. This year as always, the traditional opener - the Konz Shakedown on Thursday 18 August - will be a spectacular teaser for the rally action to come. Also on Thursday, the official start - during the nocturnal Show Start - will take place against the historic backdrop of the Porta Nigra gate in Trier. The same location will host the podium ceremony on Sunday afternoon and the crowning finale of the ADAC Rallye Deutschland.

"This year's ADAC Rallye Deutschland itinerary promises another exciting rally with tight passages in the vineyards, fast Special Stages in the Saarland and, of course, the Panzerplatte, which has evolved into something of a trademark for our rally," said ADAC Motor Sport President Hermann Tomczyk. "A new addition to the itinerary is a circuit course near Trier which offers perfect viewing and which is therefore likely to become another fan highlight of the rally."

On Friday, (19 August), the ADAC Rallye Deutschland starts with the Mittelmosel Special Stage. The stage is some 22km long and situated in the vineyards. It comes with new elements and is a true vineyard highlight with numerous spectator points. The same goes for the ensuing Moselland Special Stage, which will be run from the opposite end this year.

A completely new highlight follows on early Friday afternoon: the Ollmuth Special Stage. This is a very hefty circuit course just a few kilometres south of Trier. It is 8.21km long and offers the spectators views of almost the whole circuit from naturally terraced hillside stands. In addition to being close to Trier and easy to reach, the new Ollmuth Special Stage meets all the other criteria for a real spectator attraction.

On Saturday (20 August), the opener is another 2016 change, which is actually a comeback to the German WRC rally: The last time the Freisen-Westrich Special Stage was on the itinerary of the ADAC Rallye Deutschland was in 2010. This leg situated between the Saarland and the Palatinate consists of 14.73 fast and challenging hill country kilometres. Before they gather for the showdown on the Baumholder military range, the teams must negotiate the Bosenberg Special Stage. This stage near the town of St. Wendel comes with a new initial section in 2016.

The Saturday highlight is the spectacular Special Stages on the legendary Panzerplatte. Same as last year, there will be five Special Stages on the tough going of the Baumholder military range: The 2.87km sprint distance will be covered three times and the 40km "Hinkelstein Marathon" will twice demand the ultimate in driver concentration and skills. Of course, the organisers are again working on an extra special supporting programme afor the 2016 Panzerplatte event. No real fan will miss this show.

On the last day, Sunday (21 August), two Special Stages will bring the final decision: First comes the Dhrontal Special Stage northeast of Trier. The 14.79km stage is (in)famous for its many hairpin turns. Then, another 2016 change, the Sauertal Special Stage will conclude this year's rally spectacular. The 14.84km near the Luxembourg border will be run as a Power Stage on the second pass where the drivers will earn extra points for the WCR classification. In the afternoon, the podium ceremony against the historic backdrop of the Porta Nigra gate in Trier will be the crowning conclusion of the 2016 ADAC Rallye Deutschland. Here, rally fans will have ample opportunity to once again celebrate the heroes of the German WRC event.