Today, Friday 26 August, marks for many the forthcoming end of the holiday season and it is also the opening date for entry in the 51st Rallye International du Valais.

As usual, the organizing team has spared no efforts to provide a high quality competition. Just like last year, it will constitute the final round of the 2010 FIA European Rally Championship.

The quality of the challenging Swiss route is unanimously praised and a lot of renown drivers came to pit themselves against the best local talents on the asphalt roads that stretch out between mountains and valleys. Not to mention the proverbial warm welcome from the people of the region and the beautiful landscapes in the surroundings of Martigny, where the rally is based.

With just about 280 kilometres of special stages, most of them familiar to the regular visitors of the most important event in Swiss motor sport, the Rallye International du Valais represents a tough and exciting challenge that many dream of adding to their record of achievements.

The festivities will begin on Thursday 28 October and the rally will draw to an end on Saturday 30 October at the CERM (Centre d'Expositions et de Réunions de Martigny), which hosts the service park, where those who will have overcome the traps of the 18 special stages scheduled will gather for the big night of the rally.

Climbing up in the hierarchy of international events thanks to its commendable, well trained organisation, and having no intention to stop there, the Rallye International du Valais offers first class infrastructures. This year, in addition to the European and Swiss championships, it counts towards the Renault Clio R3 European Trophy, the Citroën Racing Trophy, the Renault Clio R3 Pirelli Swiss Trophy, the Renault Twingo R2 Pirelli Swiss Trophy and the Trofeo 500 Abarth Rally Svizzera Selenia.

Of course, privateers who wish to tackle roads that seem to have been purpose made for motor sport activities are very welcome.

The organiser is at the entire disposal of foreign crews who consider entering this 51st edition to provide them with the conditions of entry, in particular the accommodation terms.

We look forward to meeting you in Martigny for a 51st edition of the Rallye International du Valais full of promises and surprises.