TOP rally drivers from around the world are gearing up for this years Circuit of Ireland Rally, which gets under way next week.
The King's Hall in Belfast will become the 85th COI Rally's HQ, with petrolheads around the north getting several chances to catch some live and loud road rally action during the three day event.
The qualifying stage will take place on Thursday April 7 at Antrim Castle Gardens, followed by a ceremonial start outside the Irish Linen Centre in Lisburn.
Friday April 8 features rural stages close to Larne and Ballymena and will includes a refuel halt at Ballymena Showgrounds, while Friday's route includes stages encompassing Torr Head and Glendun as well as a 'passage control' at the Dark Hedges, with a regroup at Bushmills Distillery, plus the special Ards TT Stage taking place on Friday night.
The Ards leg will cover 2.3 kilometres for two and a quarter laps, starting at 7:30pm from the Old Cross/High Street Junction and then on through Mill Street, Regent Street, Francis Street, Castle Place, High Street towards the finish at Conway Square.
Saturday will include stages close to Banbridge, Ballynahinch and Dromore with town centre regroups in Downpatrick and Banbridge.
The rally will finish back in Belfast on the Saturday evening, culminating in a special closing ceremony outside Queen’s University when 2016's winners will be presented with the Circuit of Ireland trophy.
:: Full information at Circuitofireland.net.
