WRC 2011 - Round 9 Rally Deutschland
This weekend competitors prepare themselves for their first asphalt event of the grueling 2011 championship, round 9 of the 13 round championship - Rally Deutschland held in South-West Germany.
In previous years this event has proved challenging and dealt a wild-card for drivers to play; as indeed any event worthy of inclusion to a world series should. Featuring tight, twisty stages amongst the Moselle vineyards, but also the harsh roads of the Panzerplatte, the tank testing grounds at Baumholder. Capricious weather patterns too in this part of Europe can also play a part in Rally Deutschland's final outcome.
Championship leader Sebastien Loeb is particularly fond of his annual visit to Germany, having won the rally on 7 previous occasions; the topography of the area proving very similar to the region of the Alsace where Loeb grew up and cut his teeth during his formative rally career - who'd bet against him adding an eighth win in Germany this weekend to his glittering CV?
Follow the action on ESPN or Motors TV or log into Rally-Buzz for up-to-date rally reports.
19th August, 2011