ERC excitement builds in Austria

The excitement is continuing to build in the Austrian town of Freistadt where the 2013 FIA European Rally Championship will start later today with the 30th running of the International Jännerrallye.

Shakedown for the event is currently underway on the 1.99-kilometre Freistadt Trölsberg practice stage, which is located approximately three kilometres from the event service park.

Following the completion of shakedown at 15:00hrs local time, all competing crews and their cars will take part in an official presentation in Freistadt’s Stadtplatz at 16:30hrs. The ceremonial start will then take place inside the Freistadt Messehalle at 19:30hrs.

Ambient temperatures are hovering around the one-degree centigrade mark. Thousands of fans are expected to line the route on Friday’s opening leg, which coincides with a public holiday in Austria.