Bischwiller – Gries SS18-21
Every week, up to the Rally France-Alsace 2012, we will introduce each special stage, decrypted by the Rally’s General Manager, Dominique Serieys, and with the help of the organization stage managers. This week, Bischwiller – Gries (SS18-21).
Key Factors:
- Sunday, October 7th
- 8.00 kilometers
- 1st car due: 1st loop 10:46 – 2nd loop 14:07
- Number of Course’s Safety Marshalls: 38
- Number of Public’s Safety Marshalls: 112
Analysis:
In 2011, 50% of this special stage was surfaced with gravel. This year, it has all been tarmacked and it is run in the opposite direction. Start from Bischwiller on a wide road that goes through the Gravière roundabout, then a narrow road between the crops and the lake. Spectacular double run through Gries, followed by a quick section in the middle of the market gardens with an heavy braking between the trees for a left hairpin in Bischwiller. Lastly, the final section runs quickly along the quarry until the finish line at the entrance of the town.
The opinion of Dominique Serieys, Rally France-Alsace’s General Manager:
- Description: « Even if this special stage is the shortest in the Rally (except from the Super Specials), it is not the easiest, because it is very technical. The path around the quarry offers many 90° turn. After that, the road will widen. The D37 intersection with the jump is very spectacular, without forgetting the right hairpin at the entry of Gries. Then, after a quick section, the competitors will have to deal with a delicate path between the plane trees while taking a left hairpin turn. Finally, the last section, narrow and very fast in an understory, will lead to the finish line in Bischwiller. »
- Public Areas (ZP): « Given the way the special is constituted, the access is quite easy. Even if the vehicles are very quick, I really like ZP4 located on the D37 intersection. There is also the ZP1 next to the roundabout on D37; the ZP2 and ZP3 along the quarry, with fields broad enough to host several hundreds of spectators! The ZP6 as well, situated near the Gries’ hairpin turn; the ZP7 at the end of the quick section and among the plane trees; and, ultimately, the very wide ZP9 just before the finish line. »
The word of Jean-François Sarras, Organization Stage Manager:
« This special stage will take place on a very technical layout, with the start and the finish in Bischwiller. The drivers will have to show audacity, concentration and precision, as they will take very narrow and sinuous roads. The layout, which has been extended of four kilometers compared to last year, will present numerous spectacular sections, with many hairpin turns in Bischwiller and Gries. The public expected for this special stage will have the opportunity to watch the show in the best conditions possible thanks to the 9 Public Areas located on the layout’s strategic places. »