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Marathon ERC stage for Circuit of Ireland’s coastal return

Circuit of Ireland organisers have created a marathon stage for round two of this year's FIA European Rally Championship to mark a return to a spectacular coastal area for the event.

The Glendun and Torr Head tests will be part of the Circuit for the first time in over 20 years - and they'll be combined into one 31.21-kilometre ‘The Glens' stage for SS3 of the rally on the morning of Friday 8 April. Glendun will be revisited during the afternoon for the 14.83km SS5.

Event director Bobby Willis said: "It has been many years since the Circuit of Ireland Rally has been in this spectacular North Coast area. It's wonderful to be back in this area steeped in motorsport history with an exceptional route combining dramatic scenery with thrilling roads. I'm most appreciative to Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council for so enthusiastically supporting the Rally.

"For the first time ever we are joining two of the biggest and most iconic stages of the Circuit of Ireland - Glendun and Torr Head - into one marathon stage stretching over 31km. This will certainly test the drivers to the limit as well as show off some of our most beautiful scenery."

Willis (left) is pictured with the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Michelle Knight-McQuillan (centre) and local co-driver Crawford Henderson at the Dark Hedges, an avenue of trees made famous by TV's Game of Thrones that will host a passage control during the first leg of the rally.

Zdroj: fiaerc.com