Quotes from the press conference in Bad Griesbach

Shortly before the start of the Central European Rally, the hosts are also eagerly awaiting the spectacular penultimate round of the 2024 FIA World Rally Championship. At a press conference in Bad Griesbach, where the rally centre is located this week, some of the leading figures of the event took a look ahead. Mayor Jürgen Fundke, Clerk of the Course Andreas Dinzinger and rally driver Herman Gassner junior gave an overview of the state of preparations, which will seamlessly lead to the start of the event with the arrival of the participating teams and manufacturers at the beginning of the week.

Press conference of the CER in Bad Griesbach: Mayor Bürgermeister Jürgen Fundke, Hermann Gassner jr., Andreas Dinzinger (v.l.n.r.)

The organisers have been preparing for the coming days for a whole year, with practically every minute meticulously planned: "It's great that it's finally starting," says rally director Andreas Dinzinger. "There are only 13 WRC rounds worldwide, and we here at the Central European Rally are one of them. This is something very special – and also means a great deal of work."

He and his team began holding initial talks with the WRC organisers during the Central European Rally's debut last year: "We have been working hard all year to ensure that the next few days are successful. Now the tension is growing by the minute." Even though he and his team have prepared perfectly, the next few days are full of challenges: "We as organisers have an immense responsibility," says Dinzinger, who above all hopes for smooth and accident-free proceedings for participants and spectators: "The best event is the one where I, as the rally director, don't have to intervene. We have a very, very good international team that is tackling the big task together."

The Central European Rally is hosted by the town of Bad Griesbach and its surrounding area, which is home to key facilities such as the press centre, rally control and service park. It is unusual to see rally vehicles in a place that is usually a haven for spa guests and golfers. "I was thrilled when the organisers asked me if they could host the CER here in the region," says Mayor Jürgen Fundke, explaining the reasons behind the choice of location.

The teams will start their rapid journey through Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic from here. The event has a special significance for the host town of Bad Griesbach: "I hope that the event will have a great promotional effect. Many guests from all over the world will be coming to our region over the next few days, which will give them a unique opportunity to present themselves in the best light. I am looking forward to it and will be there with a large team and excellent staff who are very committed."

The WRC round in the heart of Europe is also something unique for the active participants. While many drivers and co-drivers travel from all over the world with their teams, one team does not have to travel far: Hermann Gassner junior (Bad Reichenhall) will drive a Renault Clio Rally 3 with co-driver Michael Wenzel: "I live not far from here and didn't want to miss the opportunity to drive a WRC rally on my doorstep." For the son of rally veteran Hermann Gassner Sr., it will be his 30th start in a WRC rally. The two-time German rally champion considers the Central European Rally to be "a great challenge."

"It's a huge challenge for a private team, and also from a sporting point of view it's a big task: I have to predict here on Tuesday at the reccee what the stage conditions will be like when we drive it on Sunday. With the many changes in surface, the demanding route characteristics and the uncertainties of the autumn weather, this is a major challenge."

But the Bavarian private team is looking forward to the World Cup adventure: "Just before the start, the anticipation is great," says Gasner junior. "We can expect many highlights, such as the start in Prague. Our goal is to finish in Passau, near our home town in Bavaria, and we don't want to be the slowest."