The Carlisle based Pirelli International Rally will again be the 3rd round of the MSA British Rally Championship and this year motor sports enthusiasts in the historic Border city will have a great opportunity to get a close up view of all the star drivers, and their fantastic cars, with the news that the event organisers, Cumberland Sporting Car Club, have teamed up with Carlisle City Council to bring the event slap bag into the city centre.

The competitors, drawn from the UK's and Europe's finest driving talent, will line up in front of Carlisle's historic Market Cross where spectators and rally enthusiasts will have the opportunity to take photographs and collect autographs, or just take time to drool over the collection of fantastic "Supercars" on view.

The public will also have the opportunity of the virtual experience of driving on a rally "Special Stage" for Pirelli will be bringing along their unique rally simulator which gives the would be rally driver the opportunity to strap themselves into a replica rally car and "Drive" a simulated special stage over forest tracks. The simulator and various other attractions will be provide an all day warm up to the rally action.

Leader of Carlisle City Council, Cllr Mike Mitchelson, said:

"Carlisle City Council has a long and celebrated link with the rally dating back more than twenty years. To be able to welcome it back to the city is great news for the local economy and local residents. When the city has previously staged the event the rally has reaped great rewards for tourism providers and attracted thousands of spectators."

The Pirelli International Rally is part of an exciting package of events running over the weekend of 27th/ 28th. April which includes the Pirelli Historic Rally, The Pirelli Challenge Rally , The Pirelli Tour of Cumbria and The Pirelli Land Rover Rally.