WRC - 2015 Rally de España - Preview
Based in the coastal resort of Salou, south of Barcelona, Rally de España is contested over gravel and asphalt, the first full day on Friday being mainly on the loose while Saturday and Sunday take place on fast and flowing Tarmac roads after a 75-minute service on Friday night to switch the specification of the cars. The curtain-raising stage in the Montjuïc area of Barcelona kicks off the action on Thursday evening.
While the main WRC titles have provisionally been sealed, crews in the support championships have just two events remaining as they fight for each of the coveted titles. In the FIA WRC 2 Championship, leader Nasser Al-Attiyah returns after sitting out Rallye de France and if he wins in Spain, the title is his. Both he and nearest challenger Esapekka Lappi will therefore be vying for maximum points, both now contesting their last points-scoring round. In contrast, four of their nearest rivals potentially have two points-scoring events remaining. Four crews in the FIA WRC 3 Championship also remain in the fight for honours, all four having contested five of potentially seven available rounds. Quentin Gilbert heads the challenge, the Frenchman having provisionally sealed the FIA Junior WRC Championship on home ground in France two weeks ago.
Two stages will be broadcast live, the opening super special stage in Barcelona and the closing Power Stage, SS23, on Sunday.
ROUTE GRAPHICS
THE 2015 ROUTE
Of the 13 different special stages, four will represent a totally new challenge for the crews. SS2/6 on Friday is all gravel, while stage 10 (Saturday) and stages 18/21 on Sunday are interesting asphalt additions to the itinerary. With modifications to other stages, more than 50% of the route is considered new. Only three stages remain the same as last year (SS1, SS5/9 and SS17). Both Friday and Sunday crews will also have no service halt during the day, another factor adding to the challenge of the 51st RallyRACC Catalunya - Costa Daurada - Rally de España.
RALLY DATA
Total distance: | 1,276.83 km |
MEDIA ACCREDITATION
The Accreditation Centre is located at the PortAventura Resort – Convention Centre, Av. Alcalde Pere Molas Km 2 - 43480 Vilaseca – Salou. The opening hours are:
Tuesday 20 October | 14:00 – 20:00 hrs |
Accreditation may be collected in Barcelona on Thursday 22 October only. Please contact the National Press Officer for details.
RALLY DE ESPAÑA TIMETABLE AND MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES ORGANISED BY THE FIA
Wednesday 21 October |
|
FIA PRESS CONFERENCE ATTENDANCE
Wednesday 21 October | Simone Tempestini, FIA Junior/WRC 3 Championship |
ADDITIONAL MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES
‘Meet the Crews’: On Friday and Saturday the top three drivers will attend a ‘Meet the Crews’ session for media and fans. This will take place on the WRC Stage at the earliest opportunity during the final service.
Autograph Signing Session: On Friday and Saturday selected crews will be available for a 15 minute autograph session. This will take place in the service park during the end of day service at the teams’ service areas.
FIA WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP CLASSIFICATIONS
The provisional classifications for all the WRC Championships can be found on the following link:
http://www.fia.com/events/world-rally-championship/season-2015/standings
STAGE CHART
Shortly after the finish of the event, a downloadable stage chart showing the progressive positions of the leading crews during the rally will be available. This is copyright free for editorial purposes and available at the following link:
http://www.fia.com/events/world-rally-championship/season-2015/stage-chart-10
Facebook
Twitter
