The action then re-starts on the morning of Friday 10 July, with six stages divided into two identical loops of three. Amongst them is the longest stage of the rally - the legendary 29.31-kilometre Topolki test, reckoned to be the most challenging of the entire event.

The rally concludes with five stages on the Saturday before the finish back in Vyborg at 15:00 hours.

The entry list for the event contains both the latest new manufacturers to join the series.

The factory Skoda team, headed by last year's Rally Russia winner Juho Hanninen, is first off the ramp in Vyborg - north of St Petersburg - on Thursday night.

Also on the entry list is the new Proton Satria S2000, driven by Guy Wilks, which made a promising debut on the Belgium Ypres Rally last month. Like Hanninen, Wilks has previous experience of the Rally Russia after leading the IRC 2WD class in Vyborg last year, at the wheel of a Honda.

The inaugural Rally Russia was won by Finland's Anton Alen - the son of the legendary Anton Alen - and the Abarth driver was once more in strong contention for victory last year before his charge was halted by a double puncture.

The second driver off the start ramp, following Hanninen, is Alen's team-mate Giandomenico Basso. The Italian, a former European champion, has also proved himself to be a strong force on gravel rallies such as Russia. With the Abarth team benefiting greatly from its test in Italy, the mood is upbeat.

Significantly, the European Peugeot teams have chosen not to contest Rally Russia as under the IRC regulations only seven from eight scores count. With Kris Meeke on 30 points and Skoda's Jan Kopecky on 21 points, a top result for the popular Czech driver could deprive Meeke of the lead.

However Peugeot will be represented by Russian driver Aleksandr Zheludov, who takes the wheel of a 207 S2000 for the first time.

Also out in Russia will be several other strong local drivers, such as Andrei Zhighunov in a Mitsubishi. With several Mitsubishi entries, the official Ralliart brand stands to benefit greatly in the IRC manufacturers' standings.

Another driver contesting the event in a Mitsubishi is the Austrian Franz Wittmann, who has put together a comprehensive IRC programme this year.

The battle for IRC 2WD Cup honours meanwhile will be equally close. Three IRC registered manufacturers will be represented: Honda (the last 2WD winners in Ypres), Peugeot and Volkswagen. None of the IRC 2WD Cup leaders however, are planning to contest the event, so this is a vital opportunity for their rivals to try and close the gap.

Rally Russia runs from July 9-11.