Wide Angle View of Rally Chile Bio Bio's land Scape. Photo Credit: WRC Images
The World Rally Championship (WRC) is set to return to the picturesque landscapes of Chile’s Biobío region scheduled from September 26 to 29, 2024. This event marks the 11th round of the 2024 WRC season and promises to deliver thrilling action on the gravel roads of Concepción, Chile’s second-largest city.
A Crucial Battle in the Championship
As the WRC season approaches its climax, the Rally Chile Bio Bio will play a pivotal role in the championship battle. Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville currently leads the standings, but his teammate Ott Tänak, the 2019 WRC champion, and Toyota’s Sébastien Ogier, an eight-time world champion, are hot on his heels. With a maximum of 90 points still up for grabs in the final three rounds, the competition is fierce, and every stage in Chile will be crucial.
Rising Stars and Veteran Contenders
The rally will also showcase the talents of rising stars like Sami Pajari and Mārtiņš Sesks. Pajari, driving a Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 Hybrid, is making his second appearance in the top-tier Rally1 category after an impressive debut in Finland. Sesks, piloting a Ford Puma Rally1 without the hybrid, will be competing outside Europe for the first time, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.
Challenging Stages and Scenic Routes
Rally Chile Bio Bio is renowned for its challenging gravel stages that wind through the forests and offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The rally will cover a total distance of 1,237.38 km, with 306.94 km of competitive stages. The unpredictable spring weather in the Southern Hemisphere could bring rain and cooler temperatures, adding to the complexity of the rally.
This year’s event will introduce the “Rally Village” concept, providing fans with a dedicated area to enjoy the action up close and engage with various activities. The Rally Village aims to enhance the spectator experience, making it a must-visit for rally enthusiasts.
Itinerary Overview
The WRC Rally Chile Bio Bio 2024, features a well-structured itinerary designed to challenge drivers and entertain fans:
Thursday, September 26
Shakedown: The rally kicks off with a shakedown session, allowing teams to fine-tune their cars on a short test stage.
Friday, September 27
Leg 1: The first full day of competition includes multiple stages, starting early in the morning and running through the afternoon. Key stages include Pulperia, Rere, and San Rosendo, known for their fast and technical sections.
Saturday, September 28
Leg 2: The second day features some of the rally’s most iconic stages, such as Maria Las Cruces and Pelun. These stages offer a mix of high-speed sections and challenging corners, with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Sunday, September 29
Leg 3: The final day includes the Laraquete & Bio Bio stage, which is a fan favorite due to its diverse terrain and scenic beauty. The rally concludes with a Wolf Power stage Bio Bio, offering extra points for the fastest drivers.
Throughout the event, drivers will navigate a total of 306.94 km of competitive stages, with the entire route covering 1,237.30 km. The itinerary is designed to test the skills and endurance of the teams, while providing an exciting spectacle for the fans.
With the championship battle heating up and a mix of seasoned champions and emerging talents, the WRC Rally Chile Bio Bio 2024 promises to be an unforgettable event. Fans can look forward to a weekend of high-speed action, breathtaking scenery, and intense competition as the world’s best rally drivers take on the challenging stages of Chile.
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