Thurs-Sat itinerary; new northern stage; picture-postcard start; free for all spectators

Amman, Jordan:  As 2010 heralds an exciting new era for the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), Jordan has lifted the lid on the innovations that will make it one of the most spectator-friendly sports events to be held anywhere in the world this year.

Working closely with the WRC’s new long-term promoters North One Sport, Jordan will become the first event on the calendar to try a Thursday-Saturday format, to fit in with the Islamic weekend, with a picture-postcard start planned at one of the region’s most stunning historic locations on April 1.

Stages have been carefully selected to ensure spectators can see as much of the action as possible with the tracks centred within a 60-km radius of the headquarters. And the icing on the cake is that it is all free for anyone to attend.

Despite hosting a stunning WRC debut in 2008, Jordan has shown its willingness to evolve and its 2010 product has been warmly received by the WRC family. Fans can expect a double dose of high octane thrills and spills as Jordan will also incorporate its Middle East Rally Championship round within the WRC itinerary so that the region’s stars can flex their muscles against the very best drivers in the world, including multiple world champion Sebastian Loeb and former F1 giant Kimi Raikkonen.

The breathtaking start venue will be confirmed next month but it is expected to provide a dazzling setting for the three days of action to follow.

Jordan’s Thursday-Saturday format replaces the Friday-Sunday schedule which has been standard for the WRC over the past decade. However, in its bid to win back a global audience, North One Sport has worked closely with organisers to maximize spectator numbers. Finland has also changed its format for 2010.

Jordan is the third round on the 2010 championship, following on from Sweden and Mexico, and will again base its headquarters and service park on the banks of the Dead Sea. Most of the action will run through the Jordan Valley and Dead Sea areas but this year will also include new competitive kilometers north of Amman.

This season represents the second of a rotational two years for the WRC which has allowed the FIA to look at all rallies capable of hosting the championship in order to draw up a definitive calendar for 2011 and beyond. Another successful hosting will stand Jordan in good stead as a permanent fixture in the calendar.