PIRELLI HEAD BACK TO THEIR ROOTS

It’s all change for the 2005 Pirelli International Rally with a new date, a different host city and a revamped route, all combining to give a fresh new look to the rally as it moves into its fourth decade of providing top class motorsport, a search for excellence which has been the hallmark of the rally ever since it’s beginnings, as The Tour of Cumbria, way back in 1974.

After three extremely successful years based in Gateshead, where the partnership forged with the local council produced some superb facilities, the event organisers have been lured back to Carlisle, formerly the rally base for over 20 years, by the very proactive stance from the local Carlisle City Council who have been instrumental in producing a package of sponsorship which will see the rally utilising facilities at Kingmoor Park Business Centre while Rally Headquarters will be in the sumptuous , and extremely conveniently located, surroundings of the Border city’s Sands Centre. The move will undoubtedly be good news to event sponsors Pirelli who have a large manufacturing facility in the city and to most of the organising committee who are Cumbria based.

The relocation gives Clerk of The Course, Alan Blake, a great opportunity to bring in a new, more compact formula which, it is hoped, will result in reduced costs for the competitor, he will be utilising some completely new stages and bringing back some old favourites, the Border forests having been missing from the British Championship scene for some time. There is also the possibility of extra service facilities in the North Tyne Valley, cutting the road mileage of the event substantially, while the main service area will be on a superb new facility in Carlisle offering hard standing and increased space and security to competitors

Traditionally run in April, the Pirelli International Rally moves back to a May 20/21 st date, swapping places with the Rally of Wales which was having difficulty obtaining a forest allocation for it’s intended original date. The Pirelli International Rally will therefore be the second round of the new style Pirelli/ Kwik Fit British Rally Championship, having previously been the opening round of the series.

For further information on the Pirelli International Rally, please contact the event’s Media Manager, Ed Graham,