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Wales Rally GB: Entries now open

Official entries have opened today (12 September) for competitors wishing to compete in Wales Rally GB, the UK's concluding round of the 2013 FIA World Rally Championship.

- Chance for amateurs to compete in the FIA World Rally Championship
- Special discounts for local competitors
- All teams based in new WRC Service Park at Deeside
- Entries accepted on a first come, first served basis

As previously announced, rally crews are being offered three different options to pit their skills against the sport's elite on this year's revitalised Wales Rally GB (14-17 November) now based in north Wales.

More ambitious entrants can tackle the full four-day WRC event featuring 196-miles of timed sections starting in Snowdonia after dark on Thursday evening. To encourage local teams to gain World Championship experience in the legendary Welsh forests, the organisers are offering a significantly discounted entry fee reduced (£1500 from £2598) for crews where both driver and co-driver hold an MSA competition licence and a British passport.

For those looking for a slightly shorter challenge, there's a choice between two different National events. The three-day National Rally includes no fewer than 11 of the 13 Wales Rally GB stages starting on Friday with challenging tests in Hafren, Sweet Lamb and Myherin. The shorter two-day National Rally commences on Saturday morning and shares the same route as the on-going three-day event - this includes the two exciting new RallyFest stages at Chirk Castle and Kinmel Park as well as the historic Great Orme. Adding to the high octane World Championship atmosphere and ambience, teams contesting the National Rallies will be based at the new WRC Service Park in Deeside and finishers will receive their trophies on the newly designed, high-profile WRC Start/Finish Podium in Llandudno on Sunday afternoon.

As well as giving amateurs a fantastic opportunity to compete on the same classic stages as the top stars from the FIA World Rally Championship, the two National Rallies offer great value for money. The three-day event includes 114 miles of competitive stages for an entry fee of just £900 while the 72-mile, two-day alternative is priced at £600. Categories for historic and FIA classes are available all with their own awards. A generous Guest Pass package is provided that includes four guest passes that allow access to the whole event. Competitors are also being offered a dedicated low cost hospitality facility to entertain crew, family, friends and sponsors within the Deeside Service Park.

"The comprehensive changes we've made to Wales Rally GB have been met with widespread enthusiasm from competitors and fans, so we are expecting lots of interest from potential entrants," reported Andrew Coe, Chief Executive of rally organiser International Motor Sports. "There are not many sports where amateurs can compete alongside world champions - rallying is special in that respect and we are keen to encourage as many teams as possible to maximise this great opportunity to be part of the high-profile WRC show. What's more all three alternatives being offered offer great value for money plus the chance to compete on some of the world's best gravel stages."

There are a limited number of entries available for the two National Rallies and initial priority - on a first come first served basis - will be given to those entering the three-day event. The final closing date is Friday 1 November and competitors can enter on-line via the ‘competitors' navigation on the official www.walesrallygb.com website.

Photo captions: All those entering this year's revitalised Wales Rally GB will compete on the Great Orme.

Notes to Editors: Since its inception in 1932, the rally has been run 68 times. Enforced stoppages have included World War 2, Suez Crisis (1957) and Foot and Mouth (1967). Wales Rally GB is the British and 13th and final round of this year's FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). To date, it is one of only two events (along with Finland) to have retained its status as both a qualifying and scoring round of the WRC since the championship was established in 1973.

Wales Rally GB is held annually and is organised and promoted by International Motor Sports Ltd (IMS), the commercial arm of the Berkshire-based Motor Sports Association, the governing body of motor sport in the UK. The Welsh Government has been principal funding partner since 2003. The event's official website is www.walesrallygb.com and provides regular news updates as well as a link to copyright-free images.

MatchPoint: Wales Rally GB has a range of hospitality experiences available on each day of the action, including VIP parking and viewing and fine food and refreshments, all provided by corporate hospitality specialist MatchPoint. For further information, please contact MatchPoint on +44 (0)2920 022 838, email walesrallygb@matchpoint.co.uk or visit http://www.walesrallygb.com/hospitality/index.php

Media Travel: Media Travel has been appointed the official accommodation provider for the Wales Rally GB for the second continuous year. Our team will be managing accommodation requirements for event organisers, competitors, media and spectators alike. We can also assist with other areas of travel including flights and ground transport. For further information, please contact Fiona on +44 (0)207 501 1887, walesrallygb@mediatravel.com or visit http://www.mediatravel.com/