SS 3/SS 6 - Terra Alta Special stage guide
38.95 km (gravel and tarmac)
Friday, 6 October 2017 • First car due: 10:56h and 16:22h
General description
As in 2016, the special stage will begin before Vilalba del Arcs, going along the intersection located in the town, where the start was two years ago. The remaining route is the same and actually the true challenge for all drivers, as they will have to adapt to the five ground changes that are expecting them along the stage. It is the most recognised mixed special of the whole World Championship given its central tarmac section, which is very technical and twisty, with an ascent providing for spectacular views over the river Ebro, and a descent that takes the cars to the final section of the stage, back on gravel, leading to La Fatarella.
Spectator Area ZP-1
The configuration of the stage provides a new dimension of this spectator area. We will have unmatched views and locations to witness the arrival of the cars at the intersection (on tarmac) right next to Vilalba dels Arcs. In addition we will enjoy panorama views of the path and the cars coming from hundreds of meters away. After the intersection, the cars will continue the special just like in previous editions, leaving the town behind on a quick zigzag with a light gradient.
Access: The recommended access is following the TV-7231 from Gandesa. Follow the instructions to access the large car park that will be prepared very close to the stage. From the village you can reach a large area of more than one kilometre with excellent linked bends.
Parking: Area very close to the stage, in Vilalba dels Arcs.
Spectator Area ZP-2
Very fast section with good visibility. It is located quite close to Vilalba del Arcs and its biggest attractiveness is that you can park very close to the stage.
Access: After leaving Vilalba dels Arcs behind, follow TV-7231 to La Pobla de Massaluca. At kilometre 12.5 turn to the right, to "Els Barrancs", from there you will be able to access the spectator area.
Parking: Large parking area, very close to the track that is used by the special.
Spectator Area ZP-3
The access takes us to a very fast section of the stage, going downwards with two quite spectacular right-handers. Safe area in the upper part of the hills and on the sides of the nearby crop areas.
Access: You have to access this area from La Fatarella. From there, follow the track called "Camí dels Valencians". The intersection of the stage is some 10 kilometres from there.
Parking: You may only park on the access track but be careful not to block the passage.
Spectator Area ZP-4
After a quite fast section, the track changes from gravel to asphalt a few metres before, and the cars have to brake hard in this intersection to turn to the right and face a change of the type of asphalt.
Access: From Gandesa following the TV-7231 and, after Vilalba dels Arcs and La Pobla de Massaluca, continue on the TV-7411 heading for Riba-roja d'Ebre. The road is closed some 8 km later, at kp 15.4, aprox. 800 metres from the intersection of the stage.
Parking: You may only park on the access road (TV-7411), always leaving one lane free to allow for circulation. Remember that the same access is a escape route in case of emergency!
Spectator Area ZP-5 (two positions)
There are two possibilities. This is one of the most emblematic spectator areas of the stage and the RallyRACC. The route runs first in front of the Sant Francisco chapel with a light downward right-hander, and 500 metres later there is an intersection and a very narrow section crossing a field of olive trees. Safe area in the upper sections of the nearby crop areas and on the hillsides of the forest surrounding the area.
Access: From La Fatarella, follow a path called "Camí dels Valencians". 5 kilometres later turn to the right heading for the Sant Francisco chapel. You reach the area, surrounded by olive trees, some 11.3 km later.
Parking: Difficult parking facilities. There is no car park, you may only park your car on the access road, trying not to block the passage. Please be extremely careful as it is a very narrow rural road. Leave always one lane free, as the same access is also a escape route for emergencies!
Spectator Area ZP-6
It is a spectacular area, as it is an intersection with a change of surface and going downwards. A very narrow angle to the right, on tarmac, followed by a gravel road heading for La Fatarella. The stage finish is 200 metres from that point.
Access: The best way to get there is taking the T-733, the road between La Fatarella and Ascó. 2.5 km from La Fatarella and 10 km from Ascó there is the intersection that leads to the stage, heading for Riba-roja d'Ebre.
Parking: On the access road and around it, obviously trying not to block the accesses.