Ready to go: The World Rally Championship teams have arrived in Bavaria

Munich. The world's best rally drivers are meeting up in Bavaria this week. Starting from the Bad Griesbach Spa and Golf Centre on Tuesday morning, they will begin the reccee of the 18 special stages (SS) in Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic, on which the world championship title could be decided from Thursday onwards in the potentially decisive WRC round. Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak (Hyundai) and Sébastien Ogier (Toyota) are the hot contenders for the coveted title, but their brand colleagues and the Ford drivers among the WRC aces would also like to secure victory shortly before the end of the season. Anyone who wants to experience their fight up close is very welcome: 42 fan zones will be set up at the 18 special stages from Thursday, and the service parks in Bad Griesbach and Klatovy will be open to visitors. Tickets for the individual special stages are available directly at the entrances to the fan zones, and weekend tickets are also available at the Welcome Centre in Bad Griesbach and at the service counter in Klatovy.

Thierry Neuville (Hyundai) comes to the Central European Rally as the WRC leader and hot title contender

At the centre of attention is Hyundai driver Thierry Neuville (Belgium), who leads the WRC by 29 points ahead of his team-mate Ott Tänak. Third in the group of title contenders is Sébastien Ogier (Toyota), who is travelling to the twelfth of 13 WRC rounds with a deficit of 41 points. Neuville also joined the group of WRC organisers and officials, VIP guests and drivers who met for a golf tournament on Monday afternoon, which was also attended by rally legend Walter Röhrl. "It's incredibly great that the World Rally Championship is coming to Bavaria. Unfortunately, the WRC event comes 20 years too late for me to be involved," smiled the two-time world champion. "But it's unique for the region."

Shortly before the start of the rally week, WRC leader Thierry Neuville looks ahead: "The CER is a tough one. We are rallying in three countries with very different routes. That makes it complex in all respects and a technical and logistical challenge. I like that because I think that rallying should always retain a little bit of an adventurous character." His biggest goal: to score points and retain the lead - and perhaps even secure the world championship title. "If things go well, we'll have enough points for the WRC title on Sunday afternoon," says the Belgian, who is looking forward to full ranks and a good atmosphere on the 18 special stages: "I'm hoping for a lot of support from the fans this weekend - and sensible behaviour! Have fun and look after your safety. We drivers will take care of the show!"

From Thursday, it's all about seconds and points

Even though the set-up work in the service park in Bad Griesbach is still in full swing on Monday, everything will be ready in time for the start. The rally will then run through three European countries from Thursday to Sunday, with the start ramp once again being set up in front of the Presidential Palace in the Czech capital of Prague. From there, a prologue stage with two special stages will start, followed by six stages in the Czech Republic on Friday. The German and Austrian stages will then take place on Saturday and Sunday - this is where the final decisions will be made before the podium ceremony in Passau on Sunday. "The special stages for the best rally drivers in the world have been perfectly prepared by over 2,000 helpers in Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic, so we are sure to see rally sport at its best," says rally director Andreas Dinzinger.

Ott Tänak (Hyundai) is the toughest challenger to WRC leader Neuville before the Central European Rally

Visitors and fans always stay informed

Visitors and fans can keep up to date with what is happening at the Central European Rally using the event's information media. The official homepage at centraleuropean.eu offers everything important in one place. There are also maps of the special stages, which are also printed in the programme booklet. The popular companion for rally visitors will be available for 5 euros at the spectator points of the special stages, at the merchandising stand in the service park, at the ticket pick-ups in Bad Griesbach and Klatovy and at participating MaierKorduletsch petrol stations in the event area. Visitors coming to the rally should form car pools with other spectators. This reduces the CO2 footprint of the event, reduces the burden on transport routes and is an opportunity to socialise with rally fans from all over the world. The award-winning smartphone app "ADAC Commuter Network" offers the best way to get together, with highly attractive prizes being raffled off among its users during the rally. Last but not least, there is also the option of always having everything important to hand on your smartphone. To do this, visitors should install the "TW Sportsoft" app, which provides spectator information, the starter list, intermediate standings and much more free of charge.

icket counter Central European Rally 2024

Welcome Centre Bad Griesbach

Pfarrstadl Bad Griesbach Karpfham, Rottalstraße 20, 94086 Bad Griesbach i. Rottal

GPS 48.41848997468632, 13.213125091602103

https://maps.app.goo.gl/VWbh2HeAoNGLY44J7

Opening hours:

Wed. 16.10.24, 12:00 - 19:00

Thu. 17.10.24, 12:00 - 19:00

Fri. 18.10.24, 07:00 - 14:00

Sat. 19.10.24, 07.00 - 14.00 h

Sun. 20.10.24, 07.00 - 12.00 hrs.

Service counter Klatovy

Hotel ROZVOJ, Rozvoj 110/5, 339 01 Klatovy

GPS 49.396392835785264, 13.303027557791133

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Y1hzwBHioE72iKWN9

Opening hours:

Wed. 16.10.24, 12:00 - 19:00

Thu. 17.10.24, 12:00 - 19:00

Fri. 18.10.24, 07:00 - 14:00

Information sources and apps

• Spectator information always at hand: TW Sportsoft App

• Form carpools and win: ADAC commuter network app powered by Twogo