Montgomeryshire lands one of sport's biggest events

Montgomeryshire will be the focus of the sporting world in November when the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) will be held predominantly in the county.

 

The news was confirmed last night, meaning that the spin-offs from one of sport’s biggest roadshows will pump millions into the local economy as well as broadcast Montgomeryshire’s stunning countryside to a global TV audience exceeding 100 million.

 

It is a massive coup for the area which has gained the confidence of the motor sporting world by successfully hosting major national rallies in both Welshpool and Newtown since the turn of the year.

 

Andrew Coe, chief executive of Wales Rally GB’s organiser, International Motor Sports Limited, is thrilled with the new route for 2011 – and commented: “It has always been a firm commitment of Wales Rally GB to innovate and bring new thinking to the British round of the FIA World Rally Championship. And, we are doing that this year by visiting a far larger part of Wales, as well as some of the most iconic stages in rallying history.

 

“For 2011, we have tried hard to break the mould and give the event a fresh, re-invigorated approach. There is an extremely strong relationship between us and the Welsh Assembly Government and, as a team, they were supportive of our desire to take the event further north in Wales.”

 

The event breaks its south Wales shackles of recent years and will be held from November 10-13. It will be the final round on the 2011 season which is this week enjoying the sunshine of Jordan for round four.

 

Day one (10^th) of the Wales event will be held for the first time in Llandudno before a stunning ceremonial start in the shadows of Conwy Castle.

 

Montgomeryshire will then be invaded by tens of thousands of fans when the county takes centre stage on Days Two and Three. Stages will be held in the spectacular forests of Dyfi close to Machynlleth and Dyfnant, south of Lake Vyrnwy, as well as Hafren, Sweet Lamb and Myherin west of Newtown.

 

The FIA WRC is considered one of the most lucrative sporting events to host. Not only will up to 100,000 fans follow the action, television coverage is distributed to more than 130 countries worldwide by event promoters, North One Sport.