Tri-border region looking forward to an exciting rally show

• Stage set for the WRC stars: Central European Rally from 16th to 19th October
• Big crowds in the Czech capital Prague for Sunday’s Prologue
• Spectacular rally programme gets underway this Thursday

Munich. Prague hosted the entertaining Prologue to the Central European Rally on Sunday, now it is time for the serious business: after making their way through the Czech capital in a ceremonial convoy, the stars of the WRC have now set up camp at the Service Park in Passau: from here, the crews have today started to inspect the 300 kilometres of special stage, which will decide who emerges triumphant at the end of the 18 stages in Germany, the Czech Republic and Austria. Drama is guaranteed, with plenty to play for at this stage of the season: Sébastien Ogier (Toyota) extended his lead in the Drivers’ Championship with victory last time out in Chile and, with three rallies remaining, has a good chance of winning another WRC title. The Frenchman could be forgiven for feeling at home at the Central European Rally: he has strong personal links with the rally region and these days considers himself an “adopted Bavarian”. While fellow Toyota driver Elfyn Evans, and Hyundai racers Kalle Rovanperä, Ott Tänak and Thierry Neuville remain a threat, they must first ensure that they finish ahead of Ogier! And that is not all that visitors can look forward to, as round twelve of this season’s World Rally Championship features a packed programme, with a feast of top-class sport in the other classes and the support programme. A whole range of fan activities around the region and in the Passau Service Park make the event a real festival for visitors. Anyone wanting to watch the action are well catered for at the three dozen spectator points, which offer many attractive services – from meticulous signposting and plentiful car parking, to catering, sanitary facilities and informative live presenters. Tickets are still available for all categories and all days. The ticket shop and comprehensive visitor information – including starter lists, schedules, navigation aids and links to the most important information sources – can be found on the official homepage at centraleuropeanrally.eu.

Once again, the region itself will play a major role at the Central European Rally: the field will embark on its adventures from the Service Park in Passau. As well as the stages, other hotspots in Bavaria are Bad Griesbach (start on Sunday), Hauzenberg (fan programme from Thursday), and Freyung (drive-through and fan programme on Saturday). In the Czech Republic, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Český Krumlov (regrouping in the town centre on Friday lunchtime) and Klatovy (regrouping in the historic town centre on Saturday) are sure to attract big crowds. The showdown will take place in the Austrian area of Peilstein, where the fiercely-contested Power Stage finishes on Sunday. Fans there will be able to follow who clinches victory and the final bonus points from a host of spectacular spectator zones, before the top teams head off to the “Flower Ceremony” immediately after the finish. The full presentation ceremony is then scheduled for Sunday evening in Passau: as there is on each day of the event, there will once again be a packed programme in and around the Dreiländerhalle. And the best thing is, admission is free!

Local drivers and a top-class support programme!
As well as the WRC elite battling it out in the race to be crowned world champion, there is also plenty to look forward to in the rest of the field: for example, WRC2 features the Czech trio of Jan Černý (Skoda), Filip Mareš (Toyota) and Filip Kohn (Skoda). Like German Toyota driver Fabio Schwarz (son of former WRC driver Armin Schwarz), they are looking to make a mark at their home rally. In Junior WRC, Claire Schönborn carries the hopes of the German crowds. Driving for the WRC Young Driver Team, she is hungry to show what she is capable of at the asphalt rally. Representing Bavaria are former German rally champions Hermann Gaßner junior and senior. Like former DRM champion Philip Geipel and top driver Timo Weigert, they are keen to showcase their talents on the world championship stage. However, the sporting action does not stop with the thrilling battles within the World Rally Championship. Slowly Sideways lines up with roughly 35 vintage rally cars, which will put on quite a show after the current crop of world championship cars on many special stages. The CER also offers a glimpse of the future. The ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup will set up camp in Hauzenberg and demonstrate the joys of fully-electric rallying.