Global TV boost for RallyScotlandposted in RSCOT18 | 09 | 2010

    NEXT MONTH'S RallyScotland, the penultimate round of the Intercontinental Rally Championship (IRC) is to get unprecedented global television coverage. The total of 15 hours of TV exposure is second only to the coverage the season's opener in Monte Carlo enjoyed.

    "It really confirms the growing significance of RallyScotland on the world motorsport calendar," Invernesian Iain Campbell, clerk of the course for the three-day event which starts on Friday, October 15, said today

    "The stages we're using this year lend themselves perfectly to live television coverage, we know the competition is going to be dramatic and hopefully the weather will allow Scotland to be shown at its best."

    Using a combination of specially-adapted helicopters and static cameras, Eurosport will transmit live coverage from four of the most dramatic stages as the high-speed drama unfolds. And the live transmissions will be aired at peak times over the weekend.

    Saturday’s live action features the two passes through the challenging 12-mile Errochty special stage near Perth at 10am-11am and 4:30pm-5:30pm.

    Sunday sees the live coverage switch to the classic 18-mile Loch Ard test – widely rated as one of the greatest timed stages in world rallying — in the Trossachs. Programmes are scheduled for 10am-11am and 12:45pm-2pm.

    "The coverage from Loch Ard last year was some of the most dramatic motorsport coverage of the year," Cambell continued, "and we're in no doubt between the organisers of RallyScotland and Eurosport, we'll again deliver stunning TV."

    It's a sentiment backed by Xavier Gavory, IRC general co-ordinator at Eurosport Events and the man responsible for beaming the live action not just to homes in Scotland, but to millions of homes across 70 countries around the world.

    "RallyScotland is one of the most distinctive and striking events of its kind," Gavory explained. “Scotland provides us with an amazing sporting backdrop and that’s why we are happy to be dedicating so much live airtime to this event.

    “The combination of fast cars, incredible scenery, charismatic weather and all those wonderful historic landmarks is just ideal for our comprehensive coverage

    "We will be using extensive helicopter and on-board shots to capture all the stunning landscapes and drama. It’s going to generate some fantastic television footage for Eurosport viewers not just in Scotland, but right around the world.”

    And last year's winner of the inaugural RallyScotland, Darlington's Guy Wilks, is delighted Scotland is to receive such widespread coverage.

    "The run through Loch Ard is, without question, the best rally stage anywhere in the world and to have it televised live is sensational for Scotland and rallying," Wilks, who will again drive his Skoda Fabia S2000, said.

    "It’s a very difficult thing to do because the cars are moving over a massive distance, not like on a circuit. It’s obviously a major challenge to broadcast it live, paint a picture and tell a story.

    "It’s something that’s been missing from our sport for a number of years, so it’s credit to Eurosport for taking up the challenge and doing a such a fantastic job.”

    Jim McGill

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