Catalunya - Suzuki Motor Sport - PreviewThe 43rd annual RallyRACC Catalunya - Costa Dauraga, the 6th round of the FIA Junior Rally Championship, will be held in the crisp air of autumn from October 4th till 7th.
The rally is staged in Catalunya, located in the southeastern
part of Spain bordering on France. The region is well known as one of the foremost resort areas in Europe with the Pyrenees in the north and the beautiful Mediterranean coast such as Costa Daurada in the south. The headquarters of the rally are placed at Port Aventura, one of the largest amusement parks in the Europe, 500m from the city center of Salou. Salou is about 100km southwest from Barcelona, the capital of Catalunya province.
Special stages are set on winding roads with asphalt paving in the hilly zone of Tarragona. Rally Catalunya is known as the fastest tarmac event in the WRC, thanks to smoother surfaces and wider roads than on any other round. In contrast to the gravel events, the rally cars here are adjusted to almost road racing circuit settings.
But the roads can be slippery with the grit and dust scattered across the line, because every driver will take short-cuts inside the shoulders of the roads at each corner. Such variable conditions will test crews' judgments.
Although stages in Leg 1 and Leg 3 are similar to those of past rallies, four stages (SS8, 12/Coll Del Grau and SS 10, 14/La Serra d'Almos) during Leg 2 are thoroughly new.
This rally will require concentration from the Suzuki crews after a long interval since 2005. Urmo Aava, who is currently leading his series championship, and P-G Andersson, second in the standings, will attend this event with Suzuki Swift Super1600s manufactured by Suzuki Sport Europe. Jaan Molder will also participate with a Swift Super1600.
Rally Catalunya will start at 19:30 on October 4th. The ceremonial start will be held at the podium in Salou facing the beautiful blue ocean. The overall length of the rally totals 1,359.96 km and includes 18 special stages covering 352.87 km. The rally will end on the 7th in Salou.
D.B. © CAPSIS International
