Fresh
focus
As one of the newest events to be included on the World
Rally Championship calendar, there are still plenty of unknowns
about Rally Turkey for everyone involved in the sport. What we
do know, however, is that it’s a worthy addition to the
championship. Rally Turkey is rough, rocky gravel event, very
much in the tradition of the preceding Cyprus and Greece, and,
thanks to its later slot in the calendar this year – late July,
as opposed to March in 2003 – it’s likely to be hotter, and more
of an endurance test for the teams and drivers. |
|
|
Kemer chameleon
Turkey offers an exciting blend of ancient Middle
Eastern culture and modern European convenience, thanks to its
ongoing westernisation. The rally is based around the village of
Kemer, 50km down the road from the holiday resort of Antalya on
the southern Mediterranean coast. It’s a region of contrast –
from beautiful beaches to breathtaking mountain scenery – and
the stages take in the best of it all. The people are friendly
and hospitable, there’s plenty to see and do, and the cuisine is
superb. In short, it’s a great place for a rally. |
Bridge corner
Antalya, in common with its fellow Mediterranean events
on the WRC calendar, is home to a wealth of history – especially
given Turkey’s position as the bridge between Europe and the
Middle East from ancient times to the modern day, and its
crucial role in various political disputes and conficts through
the ages. Famous visitors have been plenty. St Paul was born in
the region, while Mark Antony reportedly visited the area with
his regular squeeze, Cleopatra. Could it be the ideal venue with
which to introduce your loved one to rallying...? |
|
|
|
Sainz of success
After a successful debut for Rally Turkey in 2003, this
year’s event takes in many of the same stages, but plenty of
subtle changes have been made to take into account the lessons
learned from last year. The rough, twisty, high-altitude stages
reward technique and reliability in equal measure. Not
surprising, then, that the winner of the inaugural event was
Carlos Sainz – the most experienced driver in the field, and a
master of new events (particularly ones on which getting to the
finish is as much of an achievement as a podium result). |
Source: WRC page Turkey section
|
