Published Thursday, 26 January 2012
Thousands of spectators are expected to descend on the Titanic Quarter as 120 of the best rally drivers from around the world race across an adrenaline-filled track of more than 2km.
The action then powers south for 14 more stages over two days, centred around the historic host city of Armagh and also including a city centre Power Stage in Lisburn - which attracted 15,000 spectators last year.
"The Titanic Super Special Stage will be a feast for motorsport fans and families alike," Rally director Bobby Willis said, at the launch in the Titanic drawing offices on Thursday.
"Some of the world's biggest rallying stars - including current IRC series champion, Norway's Andreas Mikkelsen - will be thrilling crowds on a stage that will be built beneath grandstands yards from where the Titanic was launched.
"The slippery surface of this stage will really test the competitors, making it incredibly exciting for both drivers and spectators alike."
2012 will be the biggest and best Circuit of Ireland Rally in more than two decades as we continue to restore the event to its former glory.
Bobby Willis, Rally director
Willis, who organised the Super Special Stage at Stormont in 2007 as part of Rally Ireland, has always been keen to ensure the public get as close to the drivers as possible.
"Fans and families will have the opportunity to meet the drivers before a ceremonial start at Belfast City Hall and again in Lisburn and Armagh as we bring the Rally back to the people," he added.
The Circuit of Ireland Rally has also been inducted into the 2012 Intercontinental Rally Challenge and is the only UK stage in the calendar.
Former international rally driver and IRC's motorsport development manager, Jean-Pierre Nicolas, has spent the last two days driving the stages that make up the circuit.
"Drivers competing in the IRC are always keen for a new challenge and, having driven the stages, I can assure them a challenge is exactly what they will get!" he said.
"The Easter weekend tarmac stages through the beautiful Irish countryside are incredibly demanding - several narrow roads, bumpy tarmac with ever changing conditions will ensure excitement and adrenaline levels will be running high at every corner."
He added: "The breathtaking backdrop of Counties Armagh, Down and Antrim will certainly not disappoint rally fans around the world who are set to travel to Ireland, to experience this new and truly exhilarating round of the IRC.
"Ever since the IRC's inception in 2007, it has been our objective to showcase new events and cities - but to also join forces with established rallies with a strong reputation, entry list and following.
"The Circuit of Ireland Rally is steeped in tradition and we are delighted to be playing a pivotal role in the Titanic Festival in Belfast."
Also speaking at the launch, First Minister Peter Robinson said: "I welcome the thrilling contribution the Circuit of Ireland Rally will make to the world-class programme of NI2012 events.
"This event will not only bring in crowds in their thousands to Northern Ireland, showcasing our tourism product and contributing to the development of the economy, but will also show Northern Ireland to millions of people via Eurosport."
The IRC is one of the most followed motorsport series on the planet with a global audience of 79m viewers in 2010, rising further in prominence in the UK and Ireland when Dungannon's Kris Meeke won the title in 2009.
