ORGANISERS of JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion, from September 5-7, have revealed key details of this year’s route and event, which is set to bring international motorsport to Wales as the UK’s highest-profile rally.

First run in 2019, the fifth edition of the Aberystwyth-based event and its demanding Tarmac roads will once again play host to crucial rounds of the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) and the Probite British Rally Championship (BRC).

Competing in state-of-the-art Rally2 cars, Europe’s best will battle for glory against the UK’s homegrown stars as the event welcomes the very best drivers and teams from across UK, Ireland and Europe to Mid Wales.

Running alongside the international crews and competing across an identical route, will be the national event which is open to drivers of both homologated and non-homologated rally cars. 

They will all contest a demanding and compact route offering new challenges for competitors and ensuring the popular event reaches new areas and communities.

The 190 km of competitive special stages will take place across Ceredigion and Powys, with the event passing through Rhayader and hosting a regroup in Lampeter, making it even more accessible for local communities with increased economic benefits for businesses and greater opportunities for community involvement.

Starting on Friday morning with the new Pendam shakedown and qualifying stage, which sets the running order for the competitive action, the rally officially begins with a high-speed blast through Aberystwyth town centre stage, which offers excellent spectating and access for fans.

Saturday’s second leg comprises seven stages with most of the action taking place on new roads offering a fresh challenge to crews. A loop of three stages – including Cwm Elan, the mammoth 34 km-long Y Diafol test and Mydroilyn – will be run twice, punctuated by a midday service in Aberystwyth and with a final sprint through the town street stage to end the day.

Sunday offers a double loop of two stages, beginning with the classic Nant y Moch test over the high-commitment, reservoir roads. It’s followed by Mynnydd Bach, a difficult countryside stage with a mix of single and double-width roads, which will run as the ERC’s power stage on the second pass, before the podium and finish celebrations back in Aberystwyth on Sunday afternoon.

Spectators will have plenty of opportunities to watch their heroes in action across the weekend, with official fan zones providing key vantage points, dedicated parking areas and live commentary on each stage. Fan zone tickets will be available to purchase from the event website.

There’s also the opportunity to meet top drivers, get their autographs and take selfies at the popular Friday afternoon Rali Show on Aberystwyth Promenade.

Rali Engage returns this year with a new location at the Aberystwyth Bandstand making it much easier for rally fans and the general public to get involved over the event weekend.

Designed to boost community involvement and engagement with local schools, there will be various displays and exhibitors covering road safety, local food producers, education and career opportunities in motorsport and the motorsport supply chain.

Rali Ceredigion has strengthened its partnership with Carbon Positive Motorsport and will again be delivering a carbon offsetting programme to ensure the event is a world rally leader in certified and responsible carbon offsetting.

Vehicles used by the organising team will also use alternative fuels, such as HVO, to replace traditional diesel, creating a 90% reduction in carbon emissions.

Andy Gilmore, clerk of the course, said: “We’re looking forward to building on the success of last year’s event, as a new addition to the FIA European Rally Championship, with a refreshed and challenging route that encompasses the best that Ceredigion has to offer.

“Once again fans are set to witness an exciting battle as the top British drivers take on Europe’s championship stars, with some local Welsh talent also looking to capitalise on the home advantage. There’s even a new 34 km stage to test crews even further.

“Roads across Ceredigion offer a unique challenge to competitors and this year’s route will also visit new areas such as Rhayader and Lampeter, allowing us to create opportunities for greater engagement with local communities and continuing to deliver significant economic benefits to the region.”

Meirion Evans, British Rally Championship front-runner, said: “As soon as we finished last year’s Rali Ceredigion, I was already looking forward to this year’s event – it’s always a tough, but enjoyable, challenge and one that we always really enjoy.

“Competing at home on some stunning Welsh roads against Europe’s top rally drivers is always a great feeling.

“We struggled a little last year as we were finding our feet with the new car, but we’ve built good speed this year, things are moving in the right direction and I’m relishing the opportunity to have a proper go on our home stages.”