Rally GB moves base to Llandudno

Autosport first learned of plans for the move last October, when a city centre stage in Liverpool was also discussed.

Hopes of competitive action in Liverpool have faded, but sources suggest it could still host a ceremonial start on Thursday October 3.

Earlier this year the opening round of the British Rally Championship - the Cambrian Rally - based itself in the town centre, and Rally GB will follow a similar blueprint.

Rally GB has been run out of Deeside since 2013 and basing the service park at Toyota's engine plant, just over the border from Chester, was crucial in the event's much-needed move north from Cardiff.

Llandudno has, however, been on the event's radar for the last few years. The town has hosted the start and the finish in recent seasons, but a spectacular street stage conclusion to the 2018 event was particularly well received locally.

Clerk of the course of Rally GB, Iain Campbell, told Autosport: "This is a fantastic opportunity to really bring the rally to the people.

"We saw what a fantastic atmosphere Llandudno generated on the Cambrian last month and I'm sure it'll be more of the same for Rally GB in October.

"There's no doubting Deeside served us incredibly well and it was the key to bringing the event north in 2013.

"As a service park facility, Deeside was fabulous, but this is about bringing the rally to the heart of a community. It's going to be magic."

Lord Elis-Thomas - Wales' deputy minister for culture, sport and tourism - added: "This move will see Llandudno becoming a hub of activity for spectators and competitors and will create and excellent festival atmosphere during the event in October.

"It will also attract visitors who may be new to rallying as a spectator."

The event will be headquartered in one of Wales premier conference facilities, Venue Cymru, with roads around the centre closed off to house the teams and their service park structures.

Hopes of seeing the factory teams on the seafront will be dashed, however, with the space available on the promenade too narrow.