RallyRACC: Riudecanyes, an additional highlight for the last day

(07/09/2012)

Dennis Kuipers (Ford). RallyRACC 2011

The RACC has added two subtle changes to the route of the 48 RallyRACC Catalunya-COSTA DAURADA, Rally de España 2012 that will add to its spectacular nature and sporting interest. First there is a requirement according to which all drivers will have to negotiate the popular Riudecanyes roundabout (the arrival of Coll de la Teixeta in 2011) doing a complete lap before continuing the route, i.e. an unprecedented "doughnut" at full speed that will become a true titbit for all rally fans, who will be able to witness the rally cars making a spectacular skid of more than 360 degrees. This special feature is a complete novelty in the WRC and another contribution of the organiser of the Spanish round, eager to provide the championship with elements that will make the event even more interesting for spectators.

These two passages of Riudencanyes (SS13 and SS16), in addition to the large amount of spectators that can attend the stage safely in the huge spectator area, will with no doubt offer images that will go all around the world. But this change that will increase the distance of the special stage by only a few metres, and turn Riudecanyes into the focus of the show on the last day, is not going to be the only highlight: The Power Stage (stage that provides extra points to the top three drivers) which is usually the last special stage of the rally, i.e. La Serra d'Almos-2 (4.11 km), has been replaced by the penultimate stage, i.e. Santa Marina-2, with 26.51 km, meaning that the drivers will have to put even more effort in order to score the additional points.

Entries at a good pace
The entry requests are being received at the RACC headquarters at a good pace, after the incentives offered by the RACC, reducing the entry fees for private drivers, both from Spain and from abroad. The entry fee for private foreign drivers, not appearing in any priority list, amounts this year to 2,000 Euros + VAT, compared to the 3,500 Euros or 2,500 Euros, in case of early entry, that had to be paid in 2011. There are no early entries in 2012, as the price of 2,000€ will be kept until Monday 8 October, the entry closing date, always provided that the optional advertising of the organization is accepted. Just like in previous years, the RACC has established much lower fees for Spanish drivers: 1,500 Euros + VAT.

Official regulations published
In addition to the new document including the above-mentioned route changes, the Supplementary Regulations of the 48 RallyRACC are available as of today at www.rallyracc.com.

Main dates of the RallyRACC 2012
8 October - Entry period closes (RACC headquarters)
9 October - Publication of Rally Guide 2 (www.rallyracc.com) and the Road Book (RACC)
8 November - Shakedown (8 am.) and Qualifying Stage in Salou (10 am.)
8 November - Start Ceremony in Barcelona (7.30 pm.)
9 to 11 November - Three Rally days (PortAventura-Salou)

The 48 RallyRACC Catalunya-COSTA DAURADA, Rally de España, 13th and last scoring round of the FIA World Rally Championship, organised by the RACC, will be staged from 8 to 11 November 2012, starting from Barcelona and having its nerve centre in Salou, PortAventura and Costa Daurada. The race will be the last round for the Drivers', Co-drivers' and Manufacturers' Championships, as well as for the support championships PWRC (Production), SWRC (Super 2000), WRC Academy and Rally Class.