Rally hub's city waterfront move

Finland's Marcus Gronholm won the 2006 Wales Rally GB

The hub of the Wales Rally GB is being moved to Swansea's SA1 waterfront in an attempt to boost crowds and showcase the £400m development.

For the last six years the rally's service park has been based at Felindre on the outskirts of the city.

But organisers say the change will make it more accessible to visitors.

Cardiff will continue as host city for the race, which starts on 27 November, with the Millennium Stadium again hosting a special indoor stage.

The service park is the focal point of the rally teams' activity which gives spectators the opportunity to see how they change gearboxes, wheels and tyres before each stage.

It is also the base for the main big-screen commentary and trade and merchandise stands.

SA1 is a £400m joint venture docklands scheme between the Welsh Assembly Government and the private sector and includes residential, business and leisure developments.

PROVISIONAL 2007 ROUTE 29 November, Cardiff, ceremonial start 30 November, Vales of Neath, three forest stages 1 December, Brecon, three forest stages and indoor stage at Millennium Stadium 2 December, Carmarthenshire, two forest stages and finish near Cardiff's City Hall

Gareth Hall, director of the assembly government's Department of Enterprise, Innovations and Networks said: "Moving the service park - the competitive hub of Wales Rally GB - to this impressive waterfront setting will introduce SA1 to a world-wide audience.

"[It] should encourage even more visitors to the rally."

He said it would also allow the rally teams to base themselves closer to their accommodation and provide permanent facilities for the world's media.

The indoor stage at the Millennium Stadium is scheduled for the Saturday evening.

This year's rally will be its 75th anniversary. Organisers say it is the UK's biggest motor sport event.

Swansea Council cabinet member Gerald Clement said: "The new venue at SA1 Waterfront will add a new and exciting dimension to what is already a very successful event."