Rally La Nucia offers an excellent testing opportunity ahead of Rally Japan, especially for Thierry Neuville, who is on the verge of his first world championship title. Hyundai’s third driver, Andreas Mikkelsen, is also participating in the event, while Ott Tänak will be conducting an official test.
The small town of La Nucia is located in the Valencia region, which has recently suffered from historically severe floods. This catastrophe, which has claimed numerous lives, has also impacted the rally set to begin on Friday.
Rally organisers have announced that the start ceremonies and prize-giving have been completely cancelled as a gesture of solidarity.
“Only the sporting event itself will be held, out of respect for all the people involved and who have worked for a long time in its development, as well as for their families and everything this event represents,” organisers said in a statement.
The rally’s opening festivities were scheduled for early Friday evening, with the prize-giving set for Saturday night.
Rally La Nucia includes a total of 11 special stages on Friday and Saturday. A shakedown stage and qualifying stage are on the programme for Thursday.
Hyundai is fielding its drivers in the rally to ensure they are as prepared as possible for the season finale. Hyundai has already secured the drivers’ championship, but the manufacturers’ title remains in contention with Toyota.
Rally Japan is scheduled for 21-24 November.
