Llandudno is set to be the new home for the Wales Rally GB in 2019.
For the first time in 2019 all the teams and manufacturers contesting Britain’s high-profile round of the FIA World Rally Championship will be based in Llandudno alongside the international event’s busy headquarters based at Venue Cymru.
For the past six years, Wales Rally GB has been located next to the Toyota Engine Plant in Deeside, following the event’s switch to a new base in North Wales in 2013.
The move to Llandudno will not only allow a new town centre audience to experience the excitement of the busy pits and paddock complex, but will also generate significant economic benefits for the town’s many hotels, shops and other businesses.
Deeside has been the base for the Wales Rally GB for six years
Furthermore the town’s streets and famous promenade will be bustling with entertainment while an interactive and engaging Big Bang event will inspire the next generation of local students studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects.
The coastal resort town has been a regular feature in recent years by hosting official ceremonial starts and finishes.
The town made history last October when, for the very first time on the British mainland, fans witnessed the spectacle of World Championship motor sport action on closed public roads.
Action from last year's Wales Rally GB stage in Llandudno. Picture: Patrick Glover
Hugh Chambers, chief executive of Motorsport UK and organiser and promoter of Wales Rally GB, said: “Motorsport UK is delighted to be bringing all the atmosphere and prestige of a World Rally Championship Service Park to Llandudno and to create an interactive fan zone in the town centre.
"But at the same time we must say a massive ‘thank you’ to all those at Toyota – as well as our local partners in Deeside topped by Flintshire County Council – for playing such a major role in helping us to re-establish the UK’s round as one of the true classics on the WRC calendar.
Deeside has been the base for the Wales Rally GB over the past six years
"As our official ‘host county’ partner, Conwy County Borough Council (CCBC) has also been one of the driving forces behind the event’s resurgence and we are now relishing the opportunity of furthering that relationship in the autumn.
"There are many attractions and opportunities arising from the World Championship being based in a town centre, and we will be working closely with those at the Council to create a truly memorable motor sport festival right at the heart of Llandudno.”
As a long-time supporter of Wales Rally GB, CCBC is equally enthusiastic to see the full WRC show coming to Llandudno.
Crowds on the Llandudno Promenade for last year's Wales Rally GB
Councillor Louise Emery, cabinet member for economic development, said: “We’re thrilled to once again be host county for this prestigious event, but this year is extra special with having the World Championship based in Llandudno.
“We’ve worked with Wales Rally GB since 2009, and each year the number of spectators the rally’s attracted to Conwy county has increased, and to now have the manufacturers and teams based with us is very exciting.
"The Worldwide media coverage that comes with this event helps put Conwy county well and truly on the map, so we welcome the opportunity to work with the rally team again, especially with the new developments.”
Lord Elis-Thomas, deputy minister for culture, sport and tourism, said: “Wales Rally GB is one of our flagship events which is well-established in north Wales and a vital part of an international world-series event.
"I’m delighted that the organisers are yet again looking at new ways of refreshing and improving the experience for visitors.
"This move will see Llandudno becoming a hub of activity for spectators and competitors and will create an excellent festival atmosphere during the event in October.
"It will also attract visitors who may be new to rallying as a spectator sport.
"This will be an additional boost for the town and we look forward to working with partners on new and exciting developments presented by the move.”
Tickets for this year’s new-look Wales Rally GB will go on sale in the spring when the full competitive route is announced.
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