The Wales Rally GB launches from Liverpool today for the first time in its history.
The event is expected to draw huge crowds to the Pier Head to see the Grand Depart of Britain’s round of the .
Starting outside the Liver Building from 3pm today, visitors can see the cars worth a quarter of a million pounds taking part, get autographs from top drivers and see each car depart.
From 4pm this afternoon cars will be flagged away from the podium on Liverpool’s waterfront at one minute intervals, with all the action being displayed on big screens for the public to watch.
This will be the first time since 1999 that the event has started outside Wales, with hundreds expected to watch its ceremonial start.
Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Anna Rothery, said: "Liverpool thrives on major events, and the spectacle of nearly 60 rally cars lined up on our UNESCO World Heritage Waterfront is going to be a stunning sight!
“This is the first time in 20 years that the event has taken place outside of Wales, so it’s a huge coup for Liverpool to host the Grand Depart and I am looking forward to meeting as many drivers as I can and welcoming them to the city.
“I encourage as many people as possible to head to the waterfront for this free event, and enjoy the high-octane atmosphere as some of the world’s best rally drivers start their world championship challenge.”
We’ve taken a look at all the information you’ll need ahead of the Wales Rally GB.
When does the Wales Rally GB start?
The event launches today, October 3, when the cars and crews assemble outside the Royal Liver Building from 2pm.
They will be flagged away from the podium at one minute intervals from 4pm.
Full route and map for Wales Rally GB
Once the cars set off from the Liver Building, they will make their way to the Wallasey Tunnel, down through Wirral to Oulton Park in Cheshire.
Drivers will then head back to the rally’s new base in Llandudno for three days on racing action.
The below will show you where the cars will be heading:
What is happening at Oulton Park?
The competitive action begins this evening at Oulton Park in Cheshire, where there will be entertainment for children and a chance to see British Olympic gold medal cyclist Sir Chris Hoy.
Past and present rally legends will be signing autographs, while there will also be big screens, pyrotechnics stunt drivers and a display of history rally cars to see.
Oulton Park gates open from 3pm.
Timetable for Wales Rally GB Grand Depart in Liverpool
From 2pm - FIA World Rally Championship competitors will arrive on Pier Head
3pm to 3:45pm - Autograph sessions with top drivers
3:05pm - Photo call with drivers next to Beatles’ Statue
4pm - Ceremonial start as first car leaves the start ramp
4pm - 5pm - Wales Rally GB drivers leave start ramp at one minute intervals
5:30pm - Oulton Park holding area arrival
7:08pm - The Dayinsure Oulton Park Stage
Full timetable for Wales Rally GB
October 3
There will be a pre-event Shakedown in Gwydir Forest, Snowdonia on Thursday morning, then all competing teams make their way to Liverpool for the Ceremonial Start.
The competitive action then begins that night at Oulton Park circuit, Chester, where a full evening of entertainment is planned.
The crews then head back to Llandudno.
October 4
The day’s activity will be based in the forests of Snowdonia National Park in north Wales, with nine speed tests either side of a lunchtime return to the Service Park.
The day begins with classic stages in Conwy County’s forests of Elsi and Penmachno, near Betws-y-Coed, then heads south towards Welshpool for timed tests in the Dyfnant and Aberhinant forests. All four stages are repeated in the afternoon with the second run through Aberhirnant taking place after sunset.
Friday afternoon sees the rally return to Slate Mountain, located at The Slate Caverns, Blaenau Ffestiniog.
October 5
Super Saturday sees the rally’s most demanding day, with three epic stages set in the mountains east of Aberystwyth, and the addition of the new street stage on the seafront at Colwyn Bay.
Dyfi, Myherin and Hafren, that’s been extended to incorporate the Sweet Lamb complex, will push crews to their limits and provide outstanding viewing opportunities. All three stages are tackled twice and the second run through Myherin is being screened live on TV.
Following the action in the forests of mid Wales, the rally returns to the Service Park and an overnight in Llandudno, via a Saturday evening spectator stage on the promenade in Colwyn Bay.
October 6
The action returns to north Wales with two tough forest stages close to the Llyn Brenig Reservoir. Both Alwen and Brenig tests will be run twice either side of a timed section around the Great Orme peninsula. There will be a brief mid-morning service halt back in Llandudno. The second visit to Brenig is the event’s concluding Wolf Power Stage, offering crews the chance to score bonus championship points, with live television coverage.
After a brief TV podium for the overall winners at the Brenig Visitor Centre, prize-giving for those completing the 2019 Wales Rally GB will take place at the Ceremonial Finish on Llandudno Promenade.
How to get tickets
The Grand Depart at Liverpool’s Pier Head is free, though the event at Oulton Park is ticketed.
Tickets cost £25 per adult, while children under 15 go free.
Unfortunately, all tickets for Oulton Park needed to be booked in advance by September 30.
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