15 special stages will make up the Spanish round of the 2005 World Rally Championship, this time completely run in the Catalan province of Tarragona, an area that has been visited by the rally ever since the first time it became a scoring round of the WRC, except for the last two years. During this time, many of the roads in the area have been improved, thus 85% of the stage tarmac will be new to the drivers. This is an important detail especially for the teams, since it may affect mechanical aspects and tyres, given the fact that the participants will find a track in very good conditions that may have a different grip than usual, leading to high speed specials and an almost sprinted rally. Although the RallyRACC includes new stages compared to 2002, the most frequently visited road sectors will be the road triangle between El Lloar, El Molar and la Figuera, as well as Vilaplana, formerly known as La Mussara. Moreover, this season’s event will recover some sections already covered in the past, such as Querol, El Montmell, Pratdip, Colldejou and Riudecanyes. The relationship of the RallyRACC with Tarragona goes back a long way, counting on the full involvement of the town halls and local institutions and total support of the neighbours who will be visited by the rally itinerary. Talking to Just before setting off to Argentina, to defend his second place in the World Rally Championship, Petter Solberg (Subaru Impreza WRC2004), declares that he is «looking forward to the new RallyRACC in Catalonia. The changes sound very positive and I think that the stage layout around the service area will make it much more accessible to spectators, something very important right now. Rally racing is an exciting sport, but I think that it is also important to make changes from time to time to keep it fresh and exciting. I always liked the layout of the Spanish rally, it was a good event and I enjoyed racing there, but I also like variety and having the chance to drive on stages that provide freshness and novelty, especially if we’re talking about such a beautiful place like Tarragona. I’m really looking forward to racing in Catalunya!». Support of the Chamber of Commerce The Official Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Shipping of Tarragona, presided over by Xavier Artal, is also providing total support to the RallyRACC Catalunya-Costa Daurada. The Chamber is working, among many other aspects, on improving the results of the companies of the area, backing the promotion of their economic activities, both on a national and international level, a task that will be supported by the RallyRACC through its dissemination and inherent magnitude. Refuelling at service stations In this 41st edition of the RallyRACC Catalunya-Costa Daurada, and as a novelty for privateers, all private participants will be able to use commercial fuel available at petrol pumps. According to the new rules of the event, only FIA priority drivers will be obliged to use official world championship fuel, a rule that will reduce costs for the large group of drivers, who will, however, have to refuel at the service stations indicated in the road book. |