THE STAGES

At just under 85 miles, the 2019 route sports some subtle changes from last year’s schedule. The total number of stages is down from

10 to eight but the competitive distance remains the same, allowing drivers to get their teeth into longer, meatier tests.

The action starts early on Friday morning with a run through Elsi, a new stage to the national itinerary. In what is a carbon copy of the international field’s second leg, the demanding Penmachno stage follows before the short one-mile spectator stage on Slate Mountain which returns for its second year.

After a refuel in Elfyn Evans’ hometown of Dolgellau, it’s off to the iconic Dyfnant and Aberhirnant tests, which conclude the day’s action.

Saturday’s stages are further south and only three are on offer for the crews to tackle, but all three are absolute gems. Competitors are treated to a longer lie-in with the first car set to leave service in Llandudno at 1030hrs, before heading down to mid- Wales for the 15 miles of Dyfi.

A quick regroup in Newtown and a spot of lunch later and it’s into the undulating rollercoaster of Myherin for one of the most demanding stages in the entire UK. The longest stage of the rally is left until last with an assault on the iconic 15.97-mile Sweet Lamb Hafren test bringing the event to a close.

The winner will be crowned in the centre of Llandudno safe in the knowledge that they’ve etched their name alongside legends that have conquered the unique challenge of Wales Rally GB.