Vatanen confirmed for Rallyday 2006.

Former World Rally champion Ari Vatanen will star at the UK's premier rally car show, which takes place at Castle Combe Circuit in Wiltshire on Saturday July 22.

Vatanen, now in a rather different hot seat as a Member of European Parliament, remains one of the world's most respected rallying celebrities, with a hugely enthusiastic following in the UK. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Vatanen winning the 1981 FIA World Rally Championship in the iconic Rothmans Ford Escort.

Joining him again in the passenger seat at Castle Combe will be his original championship-winning co-driver, David Richards CBE.

Former Rothmans Rally team manager David Sutton, along with several members of his original rally team and a selection of genuine and replica Rothmans Escorts will be central to the celebrations.

Completing the World Championship reunion will be the most famous of all Rothmans Escorts, VLE 756X, which is rarely seen outside the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu. The car will be reunited with Vatanen and Richards at the Rallyday 2006 and driven in front of an estimated 10,000-plus crowd to mark this very special occasion.

Other attractions at Rallyday 2006 include the 25th anniversary of Talbot winning the Manufacturer's World Rally Championship with the Sunbeam Lotus. Former British Rally champion Russell Brookes will drive the original Andrews Heat for Hire sponsored Sunbeam Lotus, and the Sunbeam Lotus Owners Club will have 40 cars - including five ex-works rally cars - on display at the show.

In addition, to celebrate Lancia's centenary, the Lancia Motor Club will host a major display of evocative Italian machinery at the event. Highlighting the company's rallying pedigree will be a selection of the world's most iconic rally cars, including Lancia Fulvia, Stratos, 037, S4 and Delta Integrale.

Further details of the 2006 programme, including the names of star drivers, teams and attractions attending the show, will be announced soon.

Advance tickets are now on sale at just ?10 per adult and ?2 per child. Tickets will also be available on the day at ?12 per adult and ?3 per child. Ticket booking - plus details about track sessions, paddock parking, trade stands and spectator information - can be found at: www.rallyday.com.