Borovets to Host Rally Bulgaria
After 39 years as the Bulgaria's premier rally event, Rally Bulgaria finally makes its debut in the World Rally Championship.
The first of four asphalt rallies in 2010, Bulgaria represents a leap into the unknown for the majority of WRC teams and drivers. But if the popularity of the European Championship rally is anything to go by, the combination of a challenging, compact route and the stunning mountain scenery will make it an exciting addition.
Rally Bulgaria is a top event with 40 years of history. From 1970 to 2001 the Rally HQ was located in the famous Black Sea resorts – Zlantni Piasatzi and Albena. In 2002 the competition moved its base in the central part of South Bulgaria and now takes place in the picturesque resort Borovets, located in the Rila Mountain.
The Rally has total length of 1068,30 km with 14 Special Stages (353,34 km) all in asphalt. Its route is very compact and selective and it passes trough the beautiful Bulgarian scenery.
Traditionally, the Rally has very large media coverage and over 200 journalists from Bulgaria and abroad were accredited to the media center. At the same time it received an active support both from the state and the local authorities. The competition was sponsored by big national and international companies.
The Headquarters is located in Rila Hotel in Borovets.
The real charm of Borovets can be sensed in winter time, but in summer the resort offers excellent conditions for holidays too. From 9th to 11th July 2010 Borovets will become the host of Rally Bulgaria and will await and welcome its guests for a first time as part of the WRC event. The shakedown will be held on 7th July 2010. The ceremonial start will be given in the evening of 8th July 2010.
The rally goes on for 3 days. There is one Service Park, located in Dolna Banya Airport, some 25 km east from the resort. Borovets is not far away from to the capital city of Sofia. It is accessible by plane (Sofia airport is 60 km away) and by road (150 km from Serbian and Greek borders).