A total of 78 cars representing 22 nations is set to take to the 19 challenging stages of the 2015 Wales Rally GB as a record entry was announced by organisers.
The line up will include 50 priority drivers plus an extra 85 crews taking part in the Network Q WRGB National Rally which provides amateurs the chance to compete on the same stages as their WRC counterparts. The supporting rally has proved so popular that entries sold out within hours of opening and features a large reserve list, should anyone not be able to take part.
“This is great news on every level and a further endorsement of the event’s spiraling popularity,” said Ben Taylor, Managing Director of Wales Rally GB.
“Our ambition is to create a fantastic sporting spectacle and a fitting finale to the FIA World Rally Championship – to have this star-studded, full-capacity entry is a major component in achieving those two goals. It’s superb for the fans who will be treated to some truly memorable top class action… and, who knows, perhaps even the added excitement of a British winner!”
Deputy Minister for Culture Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates, added: “I’m delighted that this year’s rally has reached a record number of entries, it bodes well for an exciting event next month. Wales Rally GB has developed a strong profile on the World Rally Championship calendar, demonstrating Wales’ ability to deliver a wide range of major events. It’s a world-class event that hits the headlines time and again for the very best reasons, and it looks like this year will be even bigger and better than ever.”
Aside from the main contenders at the front there will be added British interest with Seven time Rally America champion David Higgins making his return in the latest Subaru WRX Sti. Higgins will be facing competition from double Scottish champion David Bogie, rising star Welshman Tom Cave, who are both in Ford Fiesta R5s’ and Irishman Craig Breen in his Peugeot T16 R5. The RC2 class will also see a pair of factory-entered Skoda’s.
Osian Pryce and Chris Ingram lead the UK’s hopes in the RC3 class as they go up against the already crowned 2015 FIA Junior WRC Champion Quentin Gilbert.
With the entry list full the public have snapped up advance tickets with a record number being sold so far. Full ticket information can be found on the WalesRallyGB.com website.
