19 December 2007
Corsica is set to host the 11th edition of its National Rally in the island's northern Balagne area in January 2008.
Three full days of fun and competition are awaiting French drivers and visitors coming to support them.
The event is organised by the ASA Corsica, a 40-year-old association run exclusively by car lovers, which is responsible for three national events: the Balagne rally, the Pila Canale rally and the Sartenais rally.
For the 2008 season, Balagne will take place on January 25th to 27th, Sartenais on February 22nd to 24th, and Pila Canale in May.
Last year's winners saw Jean Michel Pietri as best pilot and Nathalie Courreges named as the best co-pilot.
The Balagne rally takes place all along the coast from Ile Rousse in the north, through Calvi, and then down to the Golf of Galeria, a total of 125 km.
The magnificent town of Ile Rousse takes its name from the red rocks of the Isle of Pietra situated just north of town, while the splendid landscape around the Balagne area, with its acres of olive groves, makes it a picturesque setting.
It is also from Ile Rousse that Corsica's most famous trek, GR20, begins - a multiple day trek in pine forest which crosses the whole island.