Rally Sweden cancels first stage, concerns over warm weather continue

The rally's traditional curtain-raiser uses the city's trotting track with drivers normally competing in pairs on the 1.18-mile course.

It had been scheduled for 2000hrs local time tomorrow (Thursday), but following a meeting between Rally Sweden chiefs, the FIA, WRC Promoter and representatives of the WRC teams, the decision has been taken to run stage as the second part of shakedown.

The change required the granting of an FIA waiver.

A statement from the Rally Sweden organisers read: "In the interest of continuing to provide top entertainment to rally fans at the Karlstad stage, the stage will be run as a second part of the morning's shakedown, rather than as a competitive stage.

"Each of the rally cars will be required to compete a timed run of the Karlstad stage, which will be broadcast live around the world to the WRC's broadcasters."

Event CEO, Glenn Olsson, added: "This was the best way to handle the situation around the demanding tyre situation, so I'm happy that we will see some good action as usual in Karlstad."

The main shakedown at Skalla, close to the Torsby service park, is due to take place as planned at 0901hrs local time.

The promotional activities planned at SSS Karlstad are unaffected by the stage cancellation with the ceremonial start due to begin at 1900.

Earlier today, temperatures of four degrees centigrade were reported on part of the rally route, which was cut from the planned 18 to 11 stages last week due to a shortage of snow and ice.