After a six-week break, the FIA World Rally Championship contenders head back into action for the only mixed surface event on the calendar, Rally de España (5-8 October). The event was first held back in 1957 and became part of the FIA European Rally Championship in 1975 before joining the World Rally Championship in 1991, when it was based in Lloret de Mar. A move to Salou happened in 2002 and it was not until 2010 that the rally evolved into a mixed surface event run in the Tarragona hills.

Running on two different surfaces presents more challenges for crews and teams alike. After the first full day on the loose, teams must convert the cars from gravel to asphalt specification during an extended 75-minute service on Friday evening. Drivers then need to quickly adapt their driving style ahead of two days on fast and flowing Tarmac roads where management of tyre wear can potentially become an issue if temperatures are high.

With the introduction of the new World Rally Cars, 2017 has been one of the most exciting and unpredictable WRC seasons in recent years and, with three rounds remaining, the fight for the titles continues. Sébastien Ogier is a familiar figure at the top of the standings, but the Frenchman is being chased hard by Thierry Neuville, the Belgian seeking to secure his first world title. Andreas Mikkelsen also bolsters Hyundai’s challenge for the Manufacturers’ Championship, the team desperate to reel in M-Sport on what could be a title-deciding event. Pontus Tidemand has provisionally won the FIA WRC 2 Championship, but there remains a strong 16-car field in this category. Eyes will also be focused on the youngsters in the Junior WRC, this being the last round of their six-event season. Spaniard Nil Solans heads the category and will be focused on beating his nearest rival Nicolas Ciamin to add the Junior title to his provisionally secured WRC 3 Championship crown.

ROUTE GRAPHICS

THE 2017 ROUTE

After the Thursday evening ceremonial start in Salou, crews head west on Friday to familiar stages run predominantly on gravel, the long Terra Alta test including several asphalt sections however. After the overnight switch to Tarmac specification, Saturday takes in two new stages, both run twice. El Pont d’Armentera runs in the opposite direction to last year and Savallà is completely new to the itinerary. The day concludes with a short crowd-pleasing stage on the Salou seafront. Sunday is essentially all-new with stages dating back to 2012 or run in the opposite direction. And, it will be no cruise to the podium, as the six stages and 74.26 kilometres are run without service.

Three stages will be broadcast live; the second run through Saturday’s El Montmell stage and both passages of Santa Marina, the second counting as the closing Power Stage on Sunday.

WHAT WE SAID…

“This continues to be a fascinating season, one of the most competitive in years,” said Jarmo Mahonen, FIA Rally Director. “The rivalry between the manufacturers is intense and has definitely moved onto a different level this year with the introduction of the new cars. On top of that, we have a crop of young drivers really challenging the established guys, new and different winners as well as those who have never been on the podium before. There’s every reason to believe Spain will deliver more of the same and set the scene for a fantastic finale to the year.”

RALLY DATA

MEDIA ACCREDITATION

The Accreditation Centre is located at PortAventura World – Convention Centre, Av. Alcalde Pere Molas Km 2 - 43480 Vila-seca – Salou. The opening hours are:

RALLY DE ESPAÑA TIMETABLE AND MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES ORGANISED BY THE FIA

FIA PRESS CONFERENCE ATTENDANCE

MANUFACTURER ENTRIES, RALLY DE ESPAÑA

ADDITIONAL MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES 

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-2017/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-2017/stage-chart-22