As one of the oldest rallies in the world, Wales Rally GB - known for much of its history as the RAC Rally - has reflected the numerous changes in the sport. From its heyday as a national event that roamed around the country and included stages in the North-East, Scotland, the Lake District, the North-West and the Midlands, it has developed into a tight, spectator-friendly cloverleaf format rally.

Once again Wales Rally GB is the WRC season closer, with a wet, windy and wild end of November date. The promise of rain, mud, fog and even the possibility of snow and ice are all thrown into the mix. The gravel forest stages of south Wales, near to host city Cardiff, are fast and flowing and, when wet, can become as slippery as any in the world.

In 2007 the service park moved to the docklands area of Swansea, providing a more easily accessible location for spectators. Cardiff remains the host city, staging the ceremonial start, the finish and the fan-friendly Superspecial stage.

New for 2008

In March 2008 the FIA allowed Wales Rally GB to move one week later in the calendar so Cardiff's 74,000 seat Millennium Stadium would be free to host the Superspecial stage.