Campbell: GB route could throw up surprises with Cambrian move

Following an initial Rally GB route survey, clerk of the course Iain Campbell has admitted there will be some surprises for Britain’s round of the World Rally Championship.

Campbell, event coordinator Andrew Kellitt and safety officer Sue Sanders drove the forests of north and mid-wales last week and have an outline route in place for October.

One potential area for a change of route comes courtesy of the Cambrian Rally’s move to February – which has opened up possibilities to bring back Penmachno and Gwydyr. Both stages were used on the opening evening of the 2013 event, but Penmachno has not been used in daylight since 1995 and Gwydyr since the 1960s.

Campbell said: “The purpose was to revisit areas following November’s rally to see what could be learned; what, if any, damage had occurred over the winter and to look at what new initiatives can be developed for October. Natural Resources Wales have regraded all the roads following recent rallies and the stages are in great condition.

“There is the basis for a route that now needs to be shared with our partners and the FIA before being announced but there are some surprises to come once we get everything in place.”

FIA regulations state the route must be with the governing body in May. The event takes place from October 27-30.