This central European event is essentially based at the service park in Bostalsee, however the start, finish and Parc Ferme each evening remains in Germany's oldest town, the Roman city of Trier on the River Mosel. The area is renowned for its white wine and is located just east of the Luxembourg border and 240 kilometers to the southwest of Frankfurt, its central location guaranteeing spectators from a number of neighboring countries. The event provides a challenging blend of conditions for the crews, with each leg based in a different region and run over a mix of different surfaces. Therefore, numerous set-up changes are potentially required. Added to which, the weather can change quickly and precise information about the shifting conditions is vital to ensure crews are not caught out on the wrong tires.


OMV ADAC Rallye officially starts at the Porta Nigra (Black Gate) in Trier on Thursday August 25, but the crews re-start in Bostalsee on Friday for the opening leg over the picturesque but narrow and bumpy roads in the Mosel vineyards. Here, square junctions and fast straight roads are lined with tall vines, requiring precision driving. The leg takes in six stages and 119.38 competitive kilometers.


On Saturday, the Baumholder military area poses a totally different challenge, although some stages also take the crews to the Saarland region. Wide open spaces draw spectators in their thousands but the concrete-based ranges are awash with large boulders all too ready to catch out the unwary. The second leg, covering seven stages - including a super special stage at St. Wendel - could provide dramatic action, especially if wet.


Sunday's closing day of competition takes the crews to the wider and more flowing roads in the Saarland region for five stages before returning to St. Wendel for the climax of the event at the 6.24 kilometer super special stage. In total, OMV ADAC Rallye takes in 19 special stages and 355.40 competitive kilometers in a total distance of 1,298.25 kilometers before the finish in Trier.


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