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Round 1 - March 9-11 Safari Rally (EAK) - gravel

The Safari is one of the world’s oldest and toughest rallies, dating back to 1953. Competitors will encounter rutted roads, spectacular water-splashes and exotic wildlife, through some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet. The Safari is a tactical rally, won with the head as much as with the right foot. It pushes limits to the maximum, making it a truly extreme test for man and machine. For more information: http://www.motorsportkenya.com/kcbsafarirally07.htm

Round 2 - May 11-12 Rally of Turkey (TR) - gravel

The event is based in the historic city of Istanbul, providing a stunning backdrop to a fast and popular event. The gravel roads of Turkey can be unpredictable in springtime, with the best compromise between speed and safety likely to prove a winning combination. Turkish motor sport has enjoyed a lot of support in recent years, and this event should give the car-mad public something to remember. For more information: http://www.fiatrally.com/

Round 3 - June 22-23 Ypres Westhoek Rally (B) – asphalt

Ypres is a classic Belgian closed-road event, with deceptively tricky conditions. A combination of fast stages, tight corners and dirty surfaces make the rally a real challenge, where it is all too easy to make a mistake. Unpredictable weather only adds to the uncertainty ¬– but the fans always turn up come rain or shine. The event is famed for its intense local promotion, and it is easy to reach from most of Europe. For more information: http://www.ypresrally.com/

Round 4 - July 13-14 Rally Russia (RUS) – gravel

With rallying in Russia still a relatively unknown quantity, this event has already sparked a huge amount of media interest. Russia is also one of the fastest-growing car markets in the world, lending the rally crucial strategic importance. Based in Vyborg, close to the beautiful city of St Petersburg, the event consists of rapid gravel roads requiring maximum commitment – a bit like the nearby stages of Rally Finland.

Round 5 - August 2-4 Rally of Madeira (P) – asphalt

When the rally rolls into town, life on the Atlantic island stops. The public are very passionate about a sport that has long been engrained into local tradition and takes place on some of the most beautiful asphalt roads of the year, The mountainous route is characterised by jaw-dropping views and stunning wild flowers, making it every photographer’s favourite and an ideal opportunity for promotional activities. For more information: http://www.ralivm.com/

Round 6 - August 24-26 Barum Rally Zlin (CZ) – asphalt

The Czech Republic is another expanding market for car manufacturers and the Barum event is deservedly the country’s most famous rally, with a wide and enthusiastic fan base. Situated to the east of the Czech Republic near the border with Slovakia and Austria, the Barum Rally contains a wide variety of speeds and corners that makes it an excellent all-round test of asphalt ability for every car and driver. For more information: http://www.barum.rally.cz/

Round 7 - September 28-30 Sanremo Rally (I) – asphalt

Sanremo is one of those legendary events that every rally fan knows about and loves. The twisty mountain stages are amongst the most challenging of the calendar, with frequently unpredictable weather adding yet another variable to the outcome. The route takes in a number of iconic locations, which only adds to Sanremo’s irresistible appeal for drivers, spectators and sponsors. For more information: http://www.acisanremo.it/

Round 8 - October 25-27 Rallye du Valais (CH) – asphalt

The Rallye du Valais takes place in the heart of Europe, with an awesome backdrop of lakes, trees and mountains. The demanding asphalt roads make this Switzerland’s premier rally, and as such it benefits from world-class organisation and facilities. The sinuous and slippery stages make it a real test of precision for drivers and teams, where it is only too easy to get caught out on a tricky corner. For more information: http://www.riv.ch/

Round 9 - November 23-25 China Rally (CN) – gravel

The final round of the IRC offers competitors the chance to visit the most populated country in the world and the second-largest car market on the planet. Running in the shadow of the Great Wall of China, this rally is a true endurance test with some extremely variable gravel roads – all of which are a pleasure to drive. The scene is set for a spectacular season finale, which will combine adventure with innovation.