This presentation made in Alsace in the European Parliament in Strasbourg set the scene for the French round of the World Rally Championship in the presence of all the partners in the event.
Nicolas Deschaux, President of the French Motor Sports Federation said how pleased he was to “meet everybody for the fourth year running for this not-to-be-missed rendezvous, the official presentation of Rally France-Alsace.”
The FFSA President took advantage of this opportunity to ”thank the public and private partners for their involvement alongside us since the start of this adventure,” and emphasized the presence of “two new authorities that have joined us this year.”
Finally, Nicolas Deschaux underlined “the expertise acquired by the Federation’s organisation team, which made it possible to combine sporting intensity and popular spectacle,” and “the special and at times passionate link between the Alsatians and the Rally.”
The route of the 2013 Rally France-Alsace is the result of the expertise acquired by the rally organization team and it respects the format recommended by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile).
Dominique Serieys stressed the fact that the “2013 route was designed taking into account what’s at stake concerning the safety of spectators as well as the protection of the environment without diluting the sporting intensity of the event.”
The Rally Director of Rally France-Alsace since 2011 also pointed out that “the route was laid out in close collaboration with the State Services and in keeping with the format recommended by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile).”
The total distance of the 2013 Rally France-Alsace divided up into four legs is 1250,58 km including 312,14-km timed stages.
Leg 1, Thursday 3rd October will be marked by a longer first superstage that will also double up as the Power Stage.
2013 innovation: this year additional points will be awarded for the first stage shown live on Sport +, like the whole rally. Thus, the media and sporting battle between all the crews will begin right from the start of the event: this will lead to an intense battle and increased media coverage for them.
The order of legs 2 and 3 has been reversed compared to last year.
First of all, the crews will set out on the roads in the Bas-Rhin on Friday 4th October to tackle 116,08-km timed stages.
The Vosges-Pays d’Ormont stage is the one that has undergone the most changes this year. It has been shortened by around ten kilometers and the crews will cover a completely new first section taking in the Raids pass.
The third day in the Haut-Rhin is the leg with the most timed kilometers (134,93 km). Colmar will again be the hub.
On Saturday 5th October the Vallée de Munster stage has been slightly modified for logistical reasons and taking into account the capricious weather conditions. The length of this stage has been reduced to 16,73 km.
The fourth and final leg on Sunday 6th October includes 56,58 timed km and will be run in the same order as last year.
The 2013 Rally France-Alsace includes several innovations announced by the people involved :
>> The arrival of two new territorial partners: the Vosges General Council and the town of Sélestat.
>> SS1 in the heart of Strasbourg as the Power Stage – a first in the WRC.
>> The launch of the RandoMobile ® application by the Vosges General Council, the French Hiking Association and the FFSA – a first in providing access to public viewing zones.
>> The creation of a new Rallye de France brand identity in the continuity of the revamp of the event’s graphic chart.
>> The development of sales and activities aimed at the general public to reinforce the Federal marketing and public relations strategy.