Less than two weeks after the punishing Acropolis Rally, the busiest period of the season is brought to a close by the Rally of Turkey this weekend, the final round before the summer break.
Last seen on the world stage in 2006 (and first seen in 2003), the event returns with an almost identical route to that of two years ago. Nineteen rock-strewn stages will take competitors through 360 competitive kilometres (slightly longer than previously) across the Anatolian mountains to an altitude of almost 1800 metres above sea level.
From its October slot in 2006, this year marks a switch to mid-June and the height of the Mediterranean summer. Consequently, none of the torrential rain that marred the event last is expected this season. Rather, the temperature is expected to top 30 degrees Celsius with high humidity typical of the region.
It is the sixth gravel event in a row and the conditions will provide no gentle wind-down.
Special notes:
After one of the most demanding rallies in the WRC for several years in Greece earlier this month, conditions in Turkey should be less severe - but only just.
The harsh environment of the Anatolian mountain speed tests, high above Turkey's southern coast holiday resorts, traditionally takes a high toll on competitors. Cooler thanks to its altitude and less rough than the savage conditions encountered in Greece, this nevertheless remains one of the most demanding rounds in the series.
The twisty and steep tracks have a clay base which breaks up to expose loose rocks, especially during the second pass.
Conditions are expected to be dry and hot, but previous years have shown that rain quickly turns the clay roads into a muddy mess, cutting up quickly and becoming rutted.
Temperatures in the rally base at Kemer will hover around 30ºC but as the stages climb to 1800m, lower figures should make conditions easier for hard-working engines, transmissions and drivers.
FIA World Rally Championship news:
Sebastien Loeb re-took the lead in the race for the 2008 drivers' title following his second win in a row and his fifth of the season on the Acropolis Rally just under two weeks ago.
Mikko Hirvonen dropped to second - although he is only one point adrift, while
Chris Atkinson remains third, albeit now almost 20 points off Loeb.
