Ready to go: The World Rally Championship teams have arrived in Lower Bavaria

• WRC community meets on Monday afternoon at Beckenbauer golf course
• Serious preparations begin with reconnaissance from Tuesday
• Tickets for all days and all categories available on site

Munich. The world’s top rally drivers are meeting in Lower Bavaria this week. From Tuesday morning, Golf Resort Bad Griesbach is the starting point for the reconnaissance of the 18 special stages in Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic, on which the battle for the world title will play out during what could be the decisive round of this year’s World Championship. Thierry Neuville (Hyundai), Ott Tänak (Hyundai) and Sébastien Ogier (Toyota) are the men in contention for the coveted title, but their team-mates and the Ford drivers in the WRC class would also love to pick up a victory as the season nears its end. Anyone wishing to experience the battle up close and personal is more than welcome: 42 fan zones are ready and waiting on the 18 special stages from Thursday, while the Service Park in Bad Griesbach is also open to visitors. Tickets for the individual stages can be purchased at the entrances to the fan zones, and weekend tickets are also available at the Welcome Center in Bad Griesbach and the service counter in Klatovy. You can find all you need to know about the Central European Rally – such as news, information, itineraries and entry lists – at centraleuropeanrally.eu.

The eyes of the rally world will be on Hyundai driver Thierry Neuville (Belgium), who leads his team-mate Ott Tänak by 29 points at the top of the World Championship table. The third man in the trio of title contenders is Sébastien Ogier (Toyota), who arrives at the twelfth of this season’s 13 rallies with a 41-point deficit. Neuville was among a group of World Championship organisers and officials, VIP guests and drivers, who met for a golf tournament on Monday afternoon, which was also attended by rally legend Walter Röhrl. “It is really great to see the World Rally Championship in Lower Bavaria. Unfortunately, the rally is 20 years too late for me to get in on the act,” grinned the two-time world champion. “However, it is fantastic for the region.”

Shortly before the start of the rally week, championship leader Thierry Neuville looked ahead at what awaits the competitors: “The CER is a real test. We race in three countries with very different routes. That makes it complex in every regard, and a technical and logistical challenge. I like that, because I believe that rallying should always have a bit of an adventurous nature.” His main aim: to score points and maintain his lead – and perhaps even to wrap up the world title. “If things go well, we will have amassed enough points by Sunday afternoon to have won the WRC title,” said the Belgian, who is looking forward to big crowds and a good atmosphere on the 18 special stages. “I am hoping for a lot of support from the fans this weekend – and that they are well behaved! Have fun and make sure you stay safe. Let us drivers put on the show!”

Seconds and points at stake from Thursday
Although construction work is still in full swing in the Service Park in Bad Griesbach on Monday, everything will be ready in good time for the start. From Thursday to Sunday, the rally will run through three European countries, with the start ramp again erected in front of the Presidential Palace in the Czech capital Prague. From there, the competitors head to a prologue leg consisting of two special stages, followed by six stages in the Czech Republic on Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, it is the turn of Germany and Austria to host the action – the rally will be won or lost here, before the successful crews head to Passau and the presentation ceremony. “The special stages for the best rally drivers in the world are prepared perfectly by over 2,000 volunteers in Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic, allowing us to safely watch rallying at its very best,” says Rally Clerk of the Course, Andreas Dinzinger.

Visitors and fans are always well informed
The event’s information media ensure that visitors and fans are always up-to-date with the latest action at the Central European Rally. On the Internet, the official homepage at centraleuropean.eu has all you need to know in one place. That includes maps of the special stages, which are also to be found in the printed programme. The popular companion for visitors to the rally costs € 5 and can be purchased at spectator points on the special stages, the merchandise stand in the Service Park, the ticket pick-up points in Bad Griesbach and Klatovy, and at participating MaierKorduletsch fuel stations in the event region. Anyone travelling to the rally should strive to share a lift with other spectators. This reduces the carbon footprint of the event, relieves pressure on transport routes, and is an opportunity to meet rally fans from all over the world. The award-winning “ADAC Pendlernetz” app for smartphone is the best way to find or offer a lift. During the rally, users are entered into a draw to win attractive prizes. Last but not least, it is also possible to have all you need to know on your smartphone at all times. To do so, visitors should install the “TW Sportsoft” app, which provides spectator information, the entry list, standings, and much more information free of charge.

Ticket counters for the 2024 Central European Rally

Welcome Center, Bad Griesbach
Pfarrstadl Bad Griesbach Karpfham, Rottalstraße 20, 94086 Bad Griesbach i. Rottal
GPS 48.41848997468632, 13.213125091602103
https://maps.app.goo.gl/VWbh2HeAoNGLY44J7
Opening hours:
We. 16.10.24, 12:00 – 19:00
Th. 17.10.24, 12:00 – 19:00
Fr. 18.10.24, 07:00 – 14:00
Sa. 19.10.24, 07.00 – 14.00
Su. 20.10.24, 07.00 – 12.00

Service counter, Klatovy
Hotel ROZVOJ, Rozvoj 110/5, 339 01 Klatovy
GPS 49.396392835785264, 13.303027557791133
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Y1hzwBHioE72iKWN9
Opening hours:
We. 16.10.24, 12:00 – 19:00
Th. 17.10.24, 12:00 – 19:00
Fr. 18.10.24, 07:00 – 14:00

Information sources and apps

• Official homepage: centraleuropeanrally.eu
• Spectator information always at hand: TW Sportsoft app
• Share lifts and win prizes: ADAC Pendlernetz App powered by Twogo