Jordan Rally reveals Power Stage plan

The Jordan Rally, which forms the fourth round of next year’s World Rally Championship, has become one of the first events on the WRC calendar to announce outline details of its Power Stage, which will award bonus points to drivers and, as often as possible, be shown live on television.

Organisers of the Middle East event, which will take place from April 14-16, have earmarked stage 20, the Baptism Site test, as the rally’s Power Stage and cut its distance by 3.13 kilometres as a result. The stage, the last of the rally, is scheduled to go live at 1511hrs local time and will total 10 kilometres.

The Power Stage concept was unveiled in September as part of plans by North One Sport, the promoter of the WRC, which have been designed to boost live television coverage of the series. The intention is to broadcast these stages - typically the last of each rally - live from all WRC events in 2011. Live television coverage and onboard cameras will help capture the action in a new one-hour live ‘Power Stage’ programme.

Simon Long, CEO of North One Sport said: “The reaction to the Power Stages has been extremely positive and broadcasters appreciate the WRC taking the step up to the top level of live sports TV. The WRC is entering a thrilling new era, with new cars and manufacturers giving audiences even more to get excited about. The WRC already provides television viewers with one of the most exciting armchair rides in motorsport but next year things rev up a gear.”

Reigning world champion Sebastien Loeb has backed the Power Stage plan. He said: “The bonus points can help the drivers who are a bit behind. The sport does need some media and if it helps to have a lot of TV then it’s a good thing.”

A number of other world championship events are expected to announce details of their Power Stage plans over the coming months. Rally Sweden, the season-opener in February, has confirmed it will show a live stage after its final test was transmitted as it happened when the event opened the 2010 season back in February.