The organisers of the Wales Rally GB, the final round in the 2008 World Rally Championship, have announced major changes to the opening day's route due to 'adverse weather conditions'.
As a result Friday's action will now be cut from a total of 123.68 competitive kilometres to just 57.04. The net effect is that there will be just one stage over 5 kilometres on day 1 - namely Myherin, which is reduced from 35.34 kilometres to 18.28 kilometres.
The stages on Saturday and Sunday currently remain unaffected.
The full statement from the WRGB issued at 19.15 hours local time read:
"Despite the adverse weather conditions, all eight of Friday, 5 December's stages are scheduled to be run. However, for the safety of spectators, marshals and competitors, the competitive route for stages one to six has been shortened.
"SS1 (Hafren) is shortened to 3.67 kilometres [from 19.10 km], SS2 (Sweet Lamb) to 4.28 kilometres [from 5.11 km], SS3 (Myherin) to 18.28 kilometres [from 35.34 km]. Stages 4, 5 and 6 are an exact repeat of stages 1, 2 and 3.
"Stages 7 and 8, Walters Arena 1 and 2 [2.29 km], will run as planned but at the later times of 17.29 and 17.40.
"The revised time for the first car due in to the Swansea service park is 18.22 hrs.
"Rally cars will pass all designated spectator areas at competitive speeds. Spectator car parks will be open as usual – and at published times."
