Spectator restrictions proposed for Rally GB

[SJ Spode]

It is being reported that fans at this year's Rally GB could be forced to select their viewing spots in advance of the event.

In an effort to aid traffic management on the approach roads to the stages ticket packages will be introduced allowing access to specific stages (and most likely parts of specific stages) only.


Just one more nail in the coffin of rallying as we know it........Next year allocated spaces on spectator terracing???

[touringlegend]

I think Rally GB's the last rally that needs to worry about spectators, look at the amount of stages cancelled elsewhere already this year..it was just very unfortunate that the people who were injured were standing in a dangerous place last year.

[flagwaver]

The bigest problem we had on last years Rally wales (GB) was not spectators but locals on sramble bikes It is very difficult to stop half a dozen sramblers from going onto a stage when there is only a couple of marshals & no radio

[SJ Spode]

From www.wrc.com

THE NETWORK Q RALLY OF GREAT BRITAIN 2002 TICKET DETAILS

TICKET TYPE
Day Pass Thursday
Access
Shakedown – where the teams complete their final preparations with most WRC competitors completing multiple runs through the stage.
The Super Special - The opening stage of the Rally at the unique Cardiff Bay Super Special track where competitors go head to head.
Adult Price: £30 Child Price £15

TICKET TYPE
Day Pass Friday
Access
Two venues encompassing three Forest Stages: Trawscoed Stages SS3 and SS4 in Carmarthenshire. Then onto Rheola for one of the longest stages of the event.
Access to the Service Park at Felindre is available for just £7.50 per person (£3.25 child).
Adult Price: £30 Child Price: £15

TICKET TYPE
Day Pass Saturday 1
Ideal for spectators coming from the South and East.
Start the day at the Resolfen. Then onto the Super Special at Cardiff Bay for the evening.
There should also be plenty of time to make use of the discounted entry for advance purchases for the Service Park at Felindre for just £7.50 per person
Adult Price: £30 Child Price: £15

TICKET TYPE
Day Pass 2 Saturday
A good ticket for spectators from the Midlands and North.
See the two stages of the Rally at Crychan Forest Stage. Then head down to Cardiff Bay for the Super Special.
Access to the Service Park at Felindre is available for just £7.50 per person (£3.25 child).
Adult Price: £30 Child Price: £15

TICKET TYPE
Day Pass Sunday 1
Three stages on the final day of the Rally.
Resolfen and the two final stages at Margam Park
Adult Price: £30 Child Price: £15

TICKET TYPE
Day Pass Sunday 2
A chance to enjoy the newly developed Walter's Arena and the final stages at Margam Park
Adult Price: £30 Child Price: £15

TICKET TYPE
Walters Arena Friday or Sunday
The only single Forest Stage pass available in advance and offered at a special advance price.
Adult Price: £15 Child Price: £7.50

TICKET TYPE
Event Pass 1
Three days of rallying
Friday - Starting at Brechfa for two stages, then onto Walter’s Arena to see the new and exciting road section
Saturday – Starting at Resolfen, followed by a visit to the Service Park at Felindre before heading to the Super Special at Cardiff Bay
Sunday – Begin at Resolfen for a different section from Saturday, then onto Margam Park for the final two stages of the Rally
Adult Price: £75 Child Price: £37.50

TICKET TYPE
Event Pass 2
Three days of rallying
Friday - Starting at Brechfa for two stages, then onto Walter’s Arena to see the new and exciting road section
Saturday – Starting at the second stage of the day – Halfway – at Eppynt Ranges Resolfen, followed by a visit to the Service Park at Felindre being heading to the Super Special at Cardiff Bay
Sunday – Begin at Resolfen for a different section from Saturday, then onto Margam Park for the final two stages of the Rally

TICKET TYPE
Super Special Grandstand
Available for Thursday, Friday and Saturday
Adult Price: £30 Child Price: £15 (or infant)

TICKET TYPE
SuperSpecial Field
Available for Thursday, Friday and Saturday
Adult Price: £15 Child Price: £7.50

[Aidan Collins]

Flagwaver

I was just wondering if those [RALLY FANS]on the bikes
were making trouble on leg three? because if they were they needed more lessons. No one could stop them until a jeep appeared with marshalls, then they scattered.The seen reminded me of the galway INT, rally when a few wasters made sure the rally was cancelled.

[gazzarallie]

didnt carlos plow some spectators, and you said you dont have spectator problems.

[Liz]

If the spectators, or some of them, don't police themselves, what else can the organizers do? Perhaps a system like that used to exclude soccer hooligans from travel will be next. If you sell tickets you can vet the people who attend and keep out those who won't behave.

Those guys on the scramble bikes should be arrested for endangerment and given a really big fine. If one or more of them are killed because of this incredibly dangerous behaviour, you can bet his family will sue for everything they can get, and start a crusade to have the Rally cancelled. Also any spectators who cause a rally stage to be cancelled should be escorted from the premises forthwith and no refund. Perhaps this would inspire them to police themselves. If not, at least it would clear the stages and be a warning to the next group.

[Tony_J]

Rally GB has been sanitised to such an extent that it will not be the spectacle it was even over the last few years. From what I have heard elsewhere, marshals will be responsible for erecting and maintaining the plastic fencing used to contain the spectators. Sorry, I'm an un paid volunteer, not a policeman or construction worker. It seems also that the 'facilities' are likely to be minimal. So what do you get for you're money? Not a lot it seems - I suspect its really crowd control based on the ability to pay [or be scewed]. Unfortunately I suspect that the rally will achieve the spectator numbers anticipated and it will be declared a grand succes by the MSA who will try and shaft us even more next year. Sorry suckers, I'm staying at home, I'll see more on the nightly reports, and spend the money I'll have saved marshalling and spectating on some real rallies not a parody.

[rdjones]

All I have to say about this is one thing - A JOKE - I think the MSA is trying to turn the RAC (sorry Rally GB) into another Grand Prix. Ok there was the accident last year, but in all the years I have been following the RAC I have never heard of badly behaved spectators, like they have some countries - personally think this is another FIA measure to get rid of top class motorsport UK out of the UK. I for one WILL not be out on this years RAC - and also please can they move it out of Wales and bring it back to the North.

If I was the MSA I would have the rally based in Newcastle with 2 days in Kilder and day in Yorkshire - but we can live in hope.......

[rdjones]

Oh and onw other thing they are only going to let 90 cars in - that means that lots of privaters how have done the rally for years will not get it in either - IMO an other Joke...........

[JAG]

Rallying has to get in the 21st century. I'm amazed these spectator restrictions were not brought in at least 10 years ago as they seem so obvious and sensible. Nobody likes change but this is a nescesity.

Even on a well organised 'safe' rally like Rally GB 12 or 14 people were injured last year. This situation can not be allowed to happen.

for the average man on the street the changes will make the event better.

-Dedicated spectator areas that are safe and offer good views.

-Grandstands at future events

-Video screens so you can follow the event

-Proper catering and facilities.

These seem to be steps forward to make a 21st century event.

[imull]

what happens if a stage is cancelled. You suddenly have the right to jump to another stage nearby. So, will they give half your money back for example or more likely will they tell you where to shove your complaint!!!

Gazzarally. I would not class the spectators as "spectator trouble" people. They were standing in a dodgy but reasonable-ish position I understand. Sainz did have to bounce off a marshalls car to get them if my understanding of the matter is correct.

Simple answer to the problem everyone, is if you dont want to pay, dont want to be penned up and are a responsible and reliable adult why not come along and put something back in by marshalling