Rally GB to host first indoor stage in WRC.

The organisers of the Wales Rally GB have confirmed that Cardiff's Millennium Stadium will set a precedent during this September's event, when its host the first ever indoor special stage in the WRC.

Although it had been rumoured for a number of weeks, Andrew Coe, speaking on behalf of the organisers, said he was extremely pleased with the deal - something that he believes will give the event an added edge this year.

"On behalf of the organising team of Wales Rally GB I am delighted that we have been able to secure the use of the Cardiff Millennium Stadium, which is a truly world-class spectator facility, for the 2005 event, which will take place between September 15th and 18th," he stated.

"This initiative, which will take the World Rally Championship into a covered arena for what we believe to be the first time in its history, will allow us to introduce rallying to new audiences and help secure the future development and growth of the sport within the UK.

"It is a hugely exciting development for Wales Rally GB."

Cars will start the 1 kilometre timed test from the basement of the Welsh Rugby Union building and then they will 'leap into view over a purpose-built jump' before completing a figure of eight course on the concrete floor of the Stadium. For spectator safety and better viewing, the lower tier of the Stadium - scene of the spectacular Wales Grand Slam victory last Saturday - will be removed, but still allowing a potential all-seated audience of 51,000 to see WRC cars in spectacular sideways action at one minute intervals, on the Saturday evening.

Andrew Davies, the Welsh minister for economic development and transport is also extremely pleased with the announcement.

"I am delighted that the Millennium Stadium will play a key role in one of the most important events in the motor sports calendar," he stated.

"This national icon of Wales has already played host to a wide range of major sporting events, including the FA Cup Final and the Rugby World Cup, and is internationally recognised as a fantastic venue and representative of a confident, dynamic and outward looking country.

"The decision to hold a key stage of this year's Wales Rally GB at the Stadium will increase our international profile even further."

"As host city, Cardiff is looking forward to welcoming Wales Rally GB back this year and we're delighted that this year's event will include one of the most unusual stages in the 2005 World Rally Championship," added Cardiff councillor Nigel Howells.

"The Millennium Stadium has really helped put Cardiff and Wales on the map, and has built a fantastic reputation for hosting a wide range of sporting events, but a WRC stage will be one of the most challenging and is sure to provide plenty of dramatic action for spectators - and drivers - to enjoy. This year's Rally also looks like being one of the biggest in the 2005 World Rally Championship in terms of entries, and we're hoping that more spectators than ever before will come to South Wales, particularly the Stadium, to enjoy the action."

The 'Cardiff Stage' - one of 17 timed to-a-tenth-of-a-second special stages in this year's 1249 kilometre rally - is scheduled to start at 18.58 hrs on Saturday September 17.

Wales Rally GB, round 12 of the 16 round WRC will again be an all-ticket event. Ticket prices for the Millennium Stadium and the other 16 special stages, run on Forestry Commission and M.O.D land, will be announced in April.