The track layout for the opening round of the 2019 FIA World Rallycross Championship has been revealed today (March 3) with a little over a month before the Championship gets underway at the Yas Marina Circuit at Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (April 5-6).
It was Muhammed ben Sulayem, a former Rally champion and president of the Automobile and Touring Club of the United Arab Emirates (ATCUAE), who was given the honour of completing the first laps on the track at the wheel of a GRX Taneco RX2 car. Furthermore the three recently announced drivers of GRX Taneco for the World championship, Niclas Grönholm, Timur Timerzyanov and Reinis Nitišs were all present for passenger rides, as well was Xite Racing’s Oliver Bennett.
Racing during the opening round will occur on a purpose-built 1200 metres track of 63% tarmac and 37% gravel including a series of wide tarmac areas, tight turns, a hairpin and a jump section.
Earlier, FIA World Rallycross Championship promotor IMG announced a new long-term partnership with Swiss manufacturer of luxury wristwatches Edox. Edox has been named the ‘Official Timing Partner‘ of the FIA World Rallycross Championship. Details of the deal were not disclosed. Under the deal Edox will have significant trackside branding and put its name to the fastest lap at each round of the championship. Additionally there are plans for a FIA World Rallycross-themed timepiece collection.