Wales is again set to welcome the Wales Rally GB where the 160 cars will meet some of the world’s most legendary stages in the penultimate round of this year’s dramatic FIA World Rally Championship
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
The Dayinsure Wales Rally GB has grown to be a firm favourite in the events calendar and the rally will begin at the opening ceremony in Tir Prince in Towyn, Conwy. Cabinet Secretary, Ken Skates will be present for the official start and ahead of the event, he said:
“This year, Wales has been celebrating a Year of Legends – bringing the past to life like never before, celebrating emerging legends and encouraging visitors to create their own legends in Wales. The 2017 Wales Rally GB promises to be another spectacular event and a fitting way to draw Wales’ Year of Legends to a close. Wales is home to some of the world’s most legendary rally stages - the event is our opportunity to showcase the epic Welsh landscapes and scenery as some of the legends of the sport test their skills against what our spectacular Welsh countryside throws at them. I’d like to extend all the competitors and spectators a warm welcome to Wales.
“The Welsh Government’s support for the Rally also shows our continued commitment to the event, which has significant links with the automotive sector. Wales is home to around 150 component and systems manufacturing companies and has 18,500 people employed in automotive manufacturing with an annual turnover of £3.4 billion.”
Ahead of the official start, the Cabinet Secretary will also visit the 'Big Bang' Industry Awareness STEM exhibition in the Rally Village. This is the event's dynamic hub, where all the WRC teams are based throughout the high-profile motor sport event. More than 1,500 students studying key STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects at educational establishments throughout Wales and Cheshire will visit the Big Bang fair on Thursday and Friday. The showcase will be open to all those visiting the Rally Village - one of a number of free-to-view opportunities available to the public. The Cabinet Secretary will also be unveiling the new Toyota sports car with livery designed as part of a schools competition.
Ben Taylor, Managing Director of Dayinsure Wales Rally GB, said:
“It looks like we are in for a fantastic event; the weather forecast is promising and the drivers have already been through the forests doing their first reconnaissance runs. The new generation of WRC cars, combined with the prospect of a thrilling title fight coming to a head in Wales, has really captured the imagination of the fans. Ticket sales are significantly ahead of last year which means that the stages are likely to be very busy out there. It’s going to be an exciting weekend and one for which we must thank the Welsh Government for its ongoing enthusiasm and support.”