The RallyRACC 2011 evolves the mixed-stage formula

(11/06/2011)

If the mixed gravel-tarmac stage of the first day in 2010 marked a milestone as regards the routes of the current WRC events - a formula that since being introduced by the Spanish rally has steadily increased the number of followers - the RACC has managed to perfect this initiative for the 2011 edition, presenting an opening mixed day including novelties in the stages that will make it even more selective.

RallyRACC, day 1: More selective
With 751.98 km, 160.36 of which will be timed, distributed into three special stages (one gravel and two mixed), to be run twice, this first day will be, just like in 2010, the star of the 47 RallyRACC Catalunya-COSTA DAURADA, Rally de España 2011.

Competitively speaking, the day will start with a completely new stage, Pesells (25.74 km), run on gravel only, the central part of which (close to Arenys de Lledó) will be approaching the province of Saragossa. Pesells has an excellent compact surface, quick but twisty, which makes it very complete. The second stage, Terra Alta (35.94 km) is exactly the same excellent mixed stage that opened the race last year, with five surface changes and a constant selectiveness that puts the drivers' pace to the test. It starts in Vilalba dels Arcs and after passing nearby the reservoir of Riba-roja, finishes in the town of La Fatarella.

The third and last stage of that day, Les Garrigues (18.50 km), is also mixed, starting with 1.76 km on gravel, followed by 4.22 km on tarmac, identical to 2010, but then changing over to a new and narrow gravel track of 12.52 km which passes the town of Torrebesses with constant light differences in height, finishing only a few metres from the start, thus forming a loop that makes it a stage which is easy to test and to follow. The second passage of this special stage will be run completely at night.

RallyRACC, day 2: Harder
The three stages that make up the second day - all of them on tarmac - will also be run twice, and have undergone significant changes as well. First there is El Priorat, the longest tarmac stage of the 2010 WRC with 45.97 km, and the second longest of the whole world championship, after the Ascochinga-Agua de Oro stage (48.2 km) of Rally Argentina. El Priorat is the same stage as in 2010, with additional 3.93 km added at the end.

The remaining two stages of the day are new. Riba-roja d'Ebre (12.27 km) is a twisty special with two significant slopes. The central part of the stage, almost half of its length, is the tarmac section used on the previous day during the mixed stage called Terra Alta, although run in opposite direction. The last stage of the day is completely new, Punta de les Torres (13.53 km), a fast and wide special in the first half and loopier in the second, but with a series of very characteristic bends that provide it with a singular difficulty.

RallyRACC, day 3: More decisive
To round off the 47 RallyRACC Catalunya-COSTA DAURADA, Rally de España 2011, participants will have to face a day consisting of specials, all of which were run in the previous edition of the rally, but not easier at all. Santa Marina (26.51 km), La Mussara (20.48 km) and Coll de la Teixeta (4.32 km) will also be covered twice and will not allow for a definition of the race positions until the very end, making this day more decisive than ever before. The last stage uses the first kilometres of the special that last year was called Riudecanyes and will be the so-called Power Stage, a novelty in this year's WRC, i.e. the stage that will be providing points to the three fastest drivers of the stage, thus guaranteeing excitement until the last moment.

Shakedown, start and finish in Salou, the great host to the RallyRACC
The shakedown of the RallyRACC will be same stage that was so much praised last year both by drivers and spectators. It will cover 2.940 mixed km (970 m gravel and 1,970 m tarmac), and is located in the area of Emprius, in the city centre of Salou. There are car parking areas and an excellent view of a large part of the stage, all in all an excellent appetizer for the Rally de España.

Salou will be hosting the official start of the rally that will take place on Thursday, 20th October from 20.00h as well as the finish of the race, starting from 15.14h on Sunday 23rd. The Salou Promenade will also be hosting the village of the rally, offering an interesting commercial and leisure avenue around the world of motor sport.