Latest news about the ADAC Rallye Deutschland 2016

Shakedown Konz: Latvala and Mikkelsen post fastest time in dress rehearsal for German FIA World Rally Championship round
Ceremonial start and autograph session in the city centre of Trier in the evening

Munich/Trier, 18 August 2016 – A spectacular appetizer that makes everyone look forward to more! That is the way to sum up today’s shakedown at Konz. In the warm-up, mandatory for all competitors in the ADAC Rallye Deutschland, the fans got to see a successful dress rehearsal for the German round of the FIA World Rally Championship. In dry conditions, Volkswagen drivers Jari-Matti Latvala (FIN) and Andreas Mikkelsen (NOR) were tied with the fastest time: they completed the 4.55 kilometres long track between Konz and Kommlingen in 2 minutes 21.1 seconds. Closely behind, Dani Sordo (ESP) followed with a time of 2 minutes 21.6 seconds with his Hyundai New i20 WRC. Driving his Volkswagen Polo R WRC, world champion Sébastien Ogier (FRA) ended up fourth in the shakedown (2 minutes 21.8 seconds) from Hyundai drivers Hayden Paddon (NZL) and Thierry Neuville (BEL), each tied at 2 minutes 22.4 seconds. The fastest driver of a Citroën DS 3 WRC, Stéphane Lefebvre (FRA) ended up seventh with a time of 2 minutes 22.8 seconds. Three drivers with a Ford Fiesta RS WRC took the remaining top ten positions: Eric Camilli (FRA, 2 minutes 24.1 seconds), Ott Tänak (EST, 2 minutes 24.9 minutes) and Mads Østberg (NOR, 2 minutes 26.6 seconds).

Ceremonial start at the Porta Nigra

After the shakedown, the official start of the ADAC Rallye Deutschland 2016 will follow on Thursday evening (from 20.00 hrs) in front of the historic backdrop of the Porta Nigra in Trier. In reversed order of the world championship standings, all the participants in the rally will be crossing the starting ramp, will be introduced to the crowd and will then drive past the crowd of fans lined up in the city centre. Prior to the start of the official ceremony, the Hauptmarkt in Trier is the port of call for the fans: from 19.30 till 20.00 hrs, the world’s top rally drivers will be assembled here to sign autographs. Fans can get an up-close view of the WRC stars and their cars.

The kick-off for numerous rally highlights

The shakedown and the ceremonial start mark the kick-off for three action-packed days of rallying. Around Trier, numerous novelties and highlights are scheduled. On Friday (19 August), fans can, among others, look forward to the new special stage at Ollmuth, a spectacular circuit near Trier. On Saturday (20 August), the focus is on five stages held at the military training camp at Baumholder. The action at the Arena Panzerplatte is a must for every visitor of the rally, also because of the comprehensive support programme. This year, fans will get to see, among others, numerous historic rally cars and can win passenger rides together with rally legends like Markku Alén. On Sunday (21 August), the battle for victory will be decided on the Sauertal special stage, the new powerstage of this year’s ADAC Rally Deutschland.

Tickets still available on-site

Anyone who does not yet have a rally pass need not miss out on the ADAC Rallye Deutschland. The rally pass can be purchased at a price of 80 Euros in the ADAC branches at Trier, Koblenz, Idar-Oberstein and Saarbrücken, as well as at the Service Park in Trier (Messegelände) and in the tourist information office at the Porta Nigra. During the event, rally passes can also be purchased at all the daily ticket sales booths and information points of the ADAC Rallye Deutschland.

There are several last-minute pass options for rally fans on site: for as little as €20, they can get the Special Stage pass, entitling them to visit one Special Stage and the Service Park in Trier. The price is the same for any Special Stage, except for the Arena Panzerplatte on the Baumholder military range, which offers a much more extensive programme than other Special Stages. A pass for the Arena Panzerplatte (incl. Service Park) costs €25 on site. Fans who want to visit the Service Park only pay €5 for a day pass. For an overview of the prices and points of sale go to www.adac.de/rallye-deutschland (click on “Tickets”).

The official magazine of the 2016 ADAC Rallye Deutschland

On 80 loaded pages, the official Rally Magazine offers its readers the essential information on drivers, teams, the itinerary and spectator areas of the 2016 ADAC Rallye Deutschland. Exciting background stories, exclusive interviews, an attractive sweepstake and many fascinating rally topics round off the rally magazine. Detailed maps including the official large Spectator Map are further sources of information for diehard rally fans. The magazine is available for €5 at www.adac.de/rallye-deutschland. It is also available from the ADAC Rallye Deutschland ticket shop by calling +49 261 13 03 300 or sending an e-mail to ticket@rallye-deutschland.de. It comes free with the 4-day rally pass. It will be available at the on-site ticket offices at the Shakedown and the usual ticket points during the whole event.

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.