ADAC Rallye Deutschland organisers have revealed this year's event (16-19 August) will start and finish in a new location at St Wendel and will kick-off with a brand-new superspecial stage in the town.

The ninth round of the championship will consist of 18 speed tests in the Saarland and neighbouring regions. The asphalt event will continue to be based at a service area on the shores of the Bostalsee lake.

A start ceremony in the centre of St Wendel on Thursday night will be followed by the first competitive test – a newly-introduced superspecial stage in the nearby Wendelinuspark. A compact 2.04km circuit, the stage has an arena feeling and is expected to be a popular addition to the route.

After venturing into the Mosel vineyards on Friday, the crews will head to the intimidating Baumholder military range on Saturday where they'll tackle a revised route.

The shorter Panzerplatte sprint stage that measured 2.87km and was run three times in 2017 has been replaced by a longer 9.43km Panzerplatte Arena test that will be used twice in August.

The crews will complete their increased stage distance in the Mosel vineyards on Sunday as they tackle three speed tests, including two runs at the new 29.07km Grafschaft stage which is expected to provide a stern test during the final morning.

The Live TV Power Stage at Bosenberg will provide the usual thrilling final points battle on Sunday before the field heads back to St Wendel for the finishing ceremony.

Friedhelm Kissel, ADAC Rallye Deutschland Clerk of the Course, said: "We always aim to take ADAC Rallye Deutschland to new levels. In addition to the innovation of having the rally start and finish in St Wendel, we acted on the drivers' suggestions and increased the proportion of the vineyard stages.

"The Grafschaft stage will be a real test in the vineyards. For the spectators, this means intense excitement until the finish of the final Power Stage."

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