Sibiu to thrill IRC regulars with exciting format

Sibiu Rally Romania will become another thrilling addition to this season’s all-action Intercontinental Rally Challenge when it takes place from 20-22 July.

Counting as round eight of the 13-event IRC season, the mainly gravel-based Sibiu Rally Romania will include two stages run at night, a fan-friendly superspecial stage, a stage run entirely on asphalt plus one mixed-surface stage as part of an overall competitive route of 205.8 kilometres.

With thousands of fans set to descend on Sibiu and the surrounding countryside, organisers are promising a spectacular show.

“This year is extremely important for the Sibiu Rally,” said organiser Sorin Itu. “All our work from the previous years has been repaid by being included in the IRC calendar. The Sibiu Rally is now the second biggest sports event in Romania, after the UEFA Europa League final, and we are ready to face the challenge at the highest level.”

IRC Manager Jean-Pierre Nicolas has visited Sibiu and driven through the rally’s stages. He said: “It’s a very, very nice event: quite flowing, with really beautiful landscapes. The gravel is nice and easy, not rough at all, and it’s quite easy to find the right rhythm. You have mountains, valleys, and everything is very green. The roads are a lot of fun to drive, and I’m sure that everyone is going to enjoy them.”

Sibiu, the historic capital of Transylvania and a former European Capital of Culture, will host the permanent service park, event headquarters, a driving parade plus the start and finish ceremonies.

Day one, Friday 21 July, features seven stages over 100 competitive kilometres, while day two will consist of five stages over a distance of 106.5 kilometres including two passes of a 30-kilometre test.