Network Q RAC Rally 23-25 November 1996

Subject to final approval by the FIA (motor sport's international governing body), this year's Network Q RAC Rally adopts the 1997 regulations in full, so British competitors and spectators will be the first to experience a new-style World Championship rally.

The event packs 256 miles (415 kilometres) of competitive stages into just three days, with much stricter limits on servicing and tyre changing. During the second day, for example, no fresh tyres can be fitted - competitors may use only spare tyres carried in the rally car.

The 1996 Network Q RAC Rally not only starts a new era in rallying, it also closes the current one. As the final round of the 1996 FIA World Rally Championship, it ends the three-year 'rotation' system under which rallies take turns to qualify for different parts of the World Championship.

This year's Network Q RAC Rally is the climax of the 1996 FIA 2-Litre World Championship for Makes, currently being contested by Renault, Peugeot, Seat and Skoda. Early indications are that the British rally will again attract the best-ever entry in this championship.

Network Q, Britain's leading used car retailer, is sponsoring Britain's largest annual sporting event for the fourth successive year. Entries open on Monday 5 August and the first closing date is Monday 30 September.

To reflect the reduction in stage mileage required to comply with the 1997 regulations, entry fees for the Network Q RAC Rally have been cut. The price for an amateur driver entering before the first closing date is now L1,080 (including two service packs).

The above information provided courtesy of Colin Wilson (100350.3476@compuserve.com) of the RACMSA