15 September 2010

 Buckle up and fasten your seatbelt as S4C climbs into fifth gear with extensive coverage of the 2010 Wales Rally GB between 11 and 14 November.

For the seventh year in a row, S4C viewers will be able to see same-day highlights of the rally on Friday (12 November), Saturday (13 November) and Sunday (14 November). A preview of the final stage of the 2010 season will also be broadcast on the Channel on the eve of the Rally.

Earlier this year the Assembly Government unveiled a 10-year plan to promote Wales as a destination for big name sporting, musical and cultural events. These events included Wales Rally GB and the 2010 Ryder Cup, both of which will play a role in S4C’s schedules.

Geraint Rowlands, S4C Content Editor Sport, says, “S4C’s commitment to broadcasting from Wales Rally GB is further proof that the Channel is the home of Wales’ main events and of Welsh interest. Ralïo+ plays an integral role in S4C’s schedules featuring the best of motorsports in Wales and beyond across all levels.”

Motor enthusiasts Emyr Penlan, Lowri Morgan, Wyn Gruffydd, Howard Davies and Gwyndaf Evans are back to present the tension, adrenaline, crashes, thrills and spills of the three-day competition. The team will be located at the stages and the service pit stops as they introduce highlights of the day’s action and the latest news from the rally in the early evening programmes.

Ralïo’s helicopter will bring exclusive images to the audience at home. Phil Pugh will be our spotter in the chopper and he’ll help bring the best of the action live to the screen.

Emyr Penlan says, “We reach the parts that other programmes cannot reach! It’s amazing how much support and interest we get from motorsport fans when we’re out and about, whether it be in Welshpool, Wexford, Worcester or Doune in Scotland. It’s unbelievable to think that this will be our seventh Wales Rally GB – I can’t wait, it’s the highlight of the series for me!”

Lowri Morgan adds, “I think the appeal of the programme is down to the mix of grassroots motorsport with the global championships. We travel around the country highlighting the successes of local events and there is something in Ralio+ for every motorsport enthusiast! To watch club, national and international events side by side in one programme is rarely seen.

“The conditions of the rally are hard and the drivers enjoy the challenges they face each year. The weather is unpredictable and a night stage, where drivers must race in the dark, ups the tempo, so the pressure is on. Wales Rally GB has a huge following, with people visiting from all over the UK. People make huge efforts to come to watch and there’s a real buzz at the event.”

Ralïo+ continues every Thursday at 21:30 on S4C up until the final twist and turns of the season in Wales’ countryside.

This season's coverage includes the best from the World Rally Championship (WRC), Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC), British Rally Championship (BRC), Motocross, Autograss, Formula 3 and motorsports from grassroots level. There’s also track racing, off-road racing, modern cars, vintage cars, trucks, bikes and Minis.

Ends

Ralio+ schedules from Wales Rally GB:

Thursday, 11 November 21:30

Friday, 12 November 19:00

Saturday, 13 November 18:45

Sunday, 14 November 17:30