President and Drivers Invite Fans to the Aegean
The excitement of the Turkish Rally Championship begins this weekend with the Saygılı Rulman Aegean Rally in Izmir, with 50 cars entered. A series of new measures introduced this year to increase competition should make the rally a closely fought affair, and the free spectator transfer service, which will be offered for the first time, is expected to attract great interest.
Ahead of the event, TOSFED President Serkan Yazıcı said: "I thank everyone who supports us. We are doing everything we can to stage exciting events, and a great season awaits us", adding that they were inviting all motorsport fans to watch the opening rally of the season. To boost interest in motorsport and make it easier to watch, TOSFED is also introducing a number of initiatives alongside the Aegean Rally. Stands set up at various points around Izmir are promoting the event while also taking registrations from those who want to watch the rally. Fans who register at these points or through the EOSK website will be transferred to the stages on Saturday and Sunday by free shuttle services, where they will be able to watch the rally with food and drink and live music.
NEW RULES TO INCREASE COMPETITION
A series of new measures is being introduced in the Turkish Rally Championship this year to increase competition. The most noticeable changes include the introduction of a power stage, a shakedown at every rally, an open class allowing all cars to enter, historic and national classes competing together, tyre restrictions in all classes, and changes to the points system…
DRIVERS EAGERLY AWAIT THE WEEKEND
Castrol Ford Team Türkiye driver Murat Bostancı, Turkish Rally Champion for the past two years, said ahead of the event: "We are treating the 2016 season as a preparation year for the European Rally Championship. We will also take part in the Turkish Championship rounds, and the Aegean Rally will be the first of these. We will also be introducing our new car, the Ford Fiesta R2T, to rally fans for the first time at this event. It will be an exciting and different season, with many new teams and cars competing in Turkey. Good luck to everyone in advance." His team-mate Orhan Avcıoğlu added: "As Castrol Ford Team Türkiye, we have completed our preparations for the new season. This year our goal, both as a team and as drivers, is the Turkish title. With the Aegean Rally, a seven-round marathon begins. We are excited to be competing in Izmir's lovely weather and on its roads."
Neo Motorspor driver Yağız Avcı, a four-time Turkish Rally Champion and one of the event's title contenders, said ahead of the rally: "After long and hard work, we are very happy to be competing in the 2016 season with our new car, the Peugeot 208 T16 R5. There are many innovations in the championship this season and I think it will be a productive year for our sport. I wish everyone success and a trouble-free season in advance." Another of the rally's leading contenders, BC Vision Motorsport driver Burak Çukurova, said: "The Aegean Rally, which I will be contesting for the 15th time this year, has always held a special place for me. As it is the first event where the power stage will be used, I think the Aegean Rally will be very special and challenging this year. As a team, we want to fight for the podium in every class with four cars this season. After reminding everyone once more that we will enjoy carrying spectators to the stages in our service vehicles and that we will be giving special prizes for the best amateur photograph, I wish everyone a great season and a great season opener."
