The organisers of Rally Ireland have revealed details of next year’s event, which will replace Monte Carlo as the first round of the WRC season.
The show in Ireland kicks off with a 2009 championship launch on Saturday 24 January, five days before the proper competition gets underway.
Organisers say the launch will feature drivers from the Ford, Citroen, Subaru and Suzuki teams competing against a host of international celebrities on a stage in the grounds of Stormont Castle near Belfast - the same venue which hosted the Superspecial in 2007. The race will be televised live around the world.
After a ceremonial start in the town of Enniskillen on Thursday night the rally will begin on Friday 30 January. The itinerary is significantly different to 2007 and features a number of new stages. And, in a nod to the previous season opener in Monte Carlo, the first day of competition in Ireland will conclude with two stages run for the first time in darkness.
On Sunday morning the Donegal Bay stage will be run in the opposite direction to the 2007 event, while the short rally closing Mullaghmore section will be replaced by a brand new 1.5km street stage in the centre of Donegal town.
“We are pleased with our new route which provides a real challenge to the drivers, good spectating options for the fans and spectacular images for TV viewers around the world,” said Clerk of the Course, Gordon Noble.
With a total of 19 special stages and a route covering 1407 km, the event will visit counties Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Cavan, Tyrone, Fermanagh and Donegal. The rally headquarters, service park and finish ramp remain in Sligo.
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