ADAC Rallye Deutschland sets new standards in environmental protection

• Motor sport in harmony with nature at the German FIA WRC event
• Environmental concept begins in the planning phase and involves volunteer helpers, teams and fans alike
• Useful eco tips for the ADAC Rallye Deutschland

Munich/Trier, 29 June 2016 – One of the ingredients which make the ADAC Rallye Deutschland such a unique and fascinating event is the diverse scenery providing the natural backdrop for this motor sport highlight – from the southern foothills of the Eifel to the Mosel vineyards and the ridges straddling the border between the Palatinate and Saarland regions. ADAC, aware of its responsibility, is committed to preserving the natural environment in the rally region. For several years now, the German FIA WRC event has been proof that eco-friendliness and top-level motor sport can go hand in hand. Keeping the natural environment in the rally region as intact as it was before the event is the primary goal. ADAC’s environmental concept uses a multi-level approach to achieve this aim in 2016 as well.

Environmental experts on the planning team
One of the first tasks before each ADAC Rallye Deutschland is to discuss potential itineraries and Special Stages. Clerk of the Course Alfred Rommelfanger’s planning team includes a panel of environmental experts. They review potential itineraries, spectator areas and car parks, applying strict environmental criteria. Based on the dialogue between the planners and their communication with the competent authorities in the rally region, the rally evolves further and further. Finally, the environmental compatibility of the planned event is documented in the official permit application, which is the document required to carry out the rally. In 2016, the ADAC Rallye Deutschland will yet again meet all environmental requirements specified in the application. After this major event, the ADAC environmental experts will set to work once more to make a final environmental assessment. This assessment will in turn be considered when planning subsequent events.

Specific protection of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora
Sébastien Ogier and his fellow WRC stars will drive over 300km to complete the 18 Special Stages (SS) at this year’s ADAC Rallye Deutschland. Top protection will be accorded to sections of the itinerary passing through areas in which the EU Habitat Directive applies. Separate expert opinions will be required to prove that nature will not be harmed there. For these areas, some of which are located within the Baumholder military range, ADAC will take special measures, e.g. designate no-go areas. The safety personnel at the ADAC Rallye Deutschland will strictly ensure that nobody enters them.

Water and soil protection is key
The environmental concept of the ADAC Rallye Deutschland gives priority to water and soil protection. Numerous sections of the rally, including the Service Park Trier, are situated near rivers. The area where the teams maintain and repair their vehicles is next to the Mosel river. Therefore, the Rules and Regulations of the ADAC Rallye Deutschland lay down detailed requirements for water and soil protection in the Service Park. For instance, washing the vehicles is only allowed in a specially protected washing area. Moreover, any work on the cars requires the use of impermeable sheets spread out under the vehicles. Special provisions apply to the disposal of critical materials such as used oil and brake fluids. Also, all liquid containers must bear labels specifying their exact contents. When the rally vehicles are on the road, an Environmental Emergency Car contributes to water and soil protection: should an environmental hazard emerge, for instance in a car crash, the crew of experts aboard the vehicle can quickly provide environmental “first aid”. The car carries materials binding oil, brake fluids and coolants. It is also equipped to recover and dispose of contaminated soil.

Effective spectator management and eco-friendly behaviour
A decisive factor affecting the environmental compatibility of the ADAC Rallye Deutschland are the spectators, i.e. their arrival and departure as well as their behaviour on site. For effective spectator management, ADAC has always followed a policy of short distances: A guidance system systematically leads the fans from motorways or extra-urban roads to the car parks. From there, clear signage directs them to the spectator areas and back. On the Baumholder military range, the volunteer installation and removal teams erect special wooden stairs and bridges for the spectators to protect embankments and the edges of ditches against trampling. A free shuttle bus service takes spectators from the car parks to the spectator areas near the highlights of the Panzerplatte Special Stage and back. Another element of ADAC’s environmental protection strategy is its appeal to the rally fans’ sense of responsibility: The various types of information available for the event include practical tips and how-to instructions to ensure eco-friendliness and the responsible treatment of nature. A dense network of waste bins and sanitary facilities helps spectators to show their best eco-friendly behaviour.

ADAC Rallye Deutschland eco tips at a glance:

• Follow the spectator guidance system.
• Use the free shuttle bus services on the Baumholder military range.
• Stick to the designated roadways and spectator areas.
• Stay out of no-go areas.
• Try not to generate waste.
• No smoking or open fires in the woods.
• Camp only on official campsites.
• Use the sanitary facilities.

Get your rally and day passes in pre-sale now!
Just like the planning process, the pre-sale of passes to the ADAC Rallye Deutschland is in full swing. In addition to the four-day rally passes, fans can now also buy day passes for Friday, Saturday or Sunday in pre-sale. On the day printed on the pass, passholders get access to all spectator areas along each Special Stage and the Trier Service Park. Day passes to the 2016 ADAC Rallye Deutschland at €35 are available only in pre-sale. Rally and day passes are now available at http://shop.rallye-deutschland.de.

Attractive packages available in pre-sale
In pre-sale, rally passes for the 2016 ADAC Rallye Deutschland come at a discount and in attractive packages, for the first time including the official rally programme brochure (in German only, with directions, safety instructions etc. in English and French). In pre-sale, a four-day rally pass costs €70 (€65 for ADAC members). The package including the programme brochure is more attractively priced than in past years. Pre-ordered rally passes are also a better bargain than those bought at the on-site ticket offices, where the regular four-day pass will be €80 (no programme brochure and no discount for ADAC members). The rally passes cover:

• Access to all Special Stages on all days
• Access to the Service Park on all days
• Access to the Shakedown on Thursday
• A spectator map providing all the essential information about the rally
• ADAC Rallye Deutschland lanyard
• ADAC Rallye Deutschland sticker
• ADAC Rallye Deutschland programme brochure

ADAC Rallye Deutschland information:
The ADAC Rallye Deutschland has a unique world-wide reputation. Its mix of hairpin stages in the Mosel vineyards, tough tracks on the Baumholder tank range and fast asphalt roads presents extreme challenges for both teams and drivers. This mix requires excellent driving skills and versatility. Diversity, high-class action and closeness to the fans are the ingredients that make the ADAC Rallye Deutschland such an attractive package for spectators as well. Year after year, this major event draws enthusiastic crowds from all over Europe, giving it a special, international atmosphere.