As well as saving the batteries from going to landfill, using the Dynamo Light torch will save on battery packaging, not just for the duration of Wales Rally GB but for the continued life of the torch after the event, as no further batteries will be needed. Varta is launching the Dynamo Light in October 2008 as part of a range of products which are leading the way in educating consumers and retailers of the potential of rechargeable sources of power and how they help to preserve the environment.

The link with Wales Rally GB is an ideal opportunity for Varta to contribute to the event’s programme of sustainability which is being launched this year. It will also demonstrate the durability and practicality of the torch and encourage a more ‘eco friendly’ future, not just for the event but for the 140,000 plus spectators that it attracts. The model, which is hard-wearing and waterproof, is an ideal solution for the volunteer marshals who are located outside in the Welsh forests, enduring the harsh British winter weather and dark afternoons, to ensure the safety of spectators and participants. Plus, the torch only needs
to be wound up for one minute to generate enough power for thirty minutes of light.

“I am delighted that Wales Rally GB has been supported by Varta and it has come on board as one of our official suppliers. It is important to us that we continue to reduce Wales Rally GB’s impact on the environment, so saving over 36,000 batteries by using the wind-up torches is a hugely positive development for 2008.

“The Dynamo Light is perfect for the event’s volunteer marshals, they do such a sterling job and without them the event wouldn’t be able take place. The wind-up torches are our gift to say thank you to the marshals and a great way to reduce the event’s carbon footprint,” explained Andrew Coe, chief executive of event organiser International Motor Sports Ltd.

Vince Armitage, divisional vice-president, Varta Consumer Batteries UK, said: “To replace battery-powered torches with wind-up alternatives has a number of benefits - both environmental and cost saving - so I am really glad we have been able to find such a great use for our product. The marshals will not have to worry about being caught out without spare batteries and the LED lights will be so useful in the forest stages this winter, ensuring the safety of everyone involved in the event. What’s more, removing the need for batteries will reduce a significant amount of waste from going to landfill.

The Dynamo Light from Varta will be available for purchase in leading retailers this October and from the Wales Rally GB Service Park (4-7 December), located at the SA1 Swansea Waterfront development. For more information visit www.varta-consumer.com.

To keep up to date with news and information about Wales Rally GB visit http://www.walesrallygb.com/. To book tickets call the booking hotline on 0844 8472251.

Ends.

For more information or photography, please contact Zoe Liberty or Richard Postins at Prova on 01926 776900 or email zoel@provapr.co.uk.

Notes to editors:

Copyright-free images from the 2007 Wales Rally GB can be downloaded from; www.worldrallypics.com/walesrallygb/

http://www.walesrallygb.com/ is the official website and provides regular news updates and a link to copyright-free images.

Since its inception in 1932 the rally has been run 63 times; this year's event will be the 64th edition. Enforced stoppages have included World War 2, Suez Crisis (1957) and Foot and Mouth (1967).

Wales Rally GB is the British and final round of the 15-round FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). It is one of only four events that have retained their unbroken World Championship status since the WRC was established in 1973.

Cardiff first hosted the rally in 2000 and the Welsh Assembly Government has been the main sponsor of the event since 2003. The City and County of Swansea has provided the Service Park since 2001.

WRGB is the finale of the Tesco 99 Octane British Rally Championship (rounds six and seven) and the eighth and final round of the FIA Production World Rally Championship.

Wales Rally GB is held annually and is the UK’s biggest motor sport event. It is organised and promoted by International Motor Sports Ltd (IMS), the commercial arm of the Berkshire-based Motor Sports Association (MSA), the governing body for all UK motor sport.

For 2008 Wales Rally GB has become the first round of the World Rally Championship to offset all its carbon emissions, including all spectator travel. The event has been awarded CarbonNeutral® event status, confirming that the event’s carbon footprint is now ‘net zero’.

Access to all 19 special stages is by ticket.  Buy tickets in advance for the best value for money:

• by calling the ticket hotline on 0844 847 2251 
• online via the official website: http://www.walesrallygb.com/ 
• or in person from Ticketline, 47 Westgate Street, Cardiff, CF10 1TL
  

Details on high quality hospitality packages can be obtained from Alyson Beach at Viking Hospitality, telephone: +44 (0)2920 766661 or e-mail: hospitality@walesrallygb.com.