Rally GB service moves to Cardiff

Talking at the official launch of the event in Cardiff's Millennium Centre this morning, Coe confirmed a near unchanged route for the October 22-25 event. But the most significant change is the move of service park - reckoned to be worth an extra £3 million to Cardiff city.

"The move to a service park in Cardiff is a very significant one for Rally GB and one which will contribute to this event making sure it's the best in the world," said Coe.

"This event has been running and qualifying for the FIA World Rally Championship for 36 years. The event itself has only been cancelled for the second World War and things like the Suez Crisis, I'm sure you'll agree we're not an event easily deflected."

The route was also confirmed earlier today, with a near identical itinerary to 2008. The biggest change to the route itself is the omission of the Millennium Stadium stage as the pitch in the stadium will be in place for the Autumn International rugby matches.

Cardiff City Councillor Nigel Howells was delighted with the wholesale move of the event to Cardiff. Previously, the service park had been located at the waterfront in Swansea - although it turned out to be one of the most unpopular service parks in the championship last season.

"Rally GB contributed to Cardiff's breakthrough into the top 10 towns and cities [to visit in the UK] last year and bringing the service park here will mean an extra £3m to local business at a time when that's absolutely vital," said Howells.

Ticketing prices for the event have also been announced, with a World Rally Pass, allowing access to all stages including shakedown available for £90 - an unchanged price since 2005.

The organisers have also expanded their offer for children under the age of 15. Children have been charged £1 for watching the superspecial for the last two years, but this season that offer has been extended across the full range of tickets and passes.