Central European Rally showcases concept for sustainable rallying

• WRC round from 17 to 20 October sets standards for sustainable motorsport

• Spectators experience the world rally elite in a responsible environment

• Carpooling is rewarded - directly via the award-winning ‘ADAC Pendlernetz’ app

With their hybrid drive and fossil-free fuels, the WRC cars combine spectacular performance with environmentally friendly motorsport.

Motorsport and sustainability - the Central European Rally proves once again this year that these two terms are not mutually exclusive. Based on the experience gained at the 2023 debut, the expert working group of the WRC round developed a targeted concept for the event from 17 to 20 October, which aims to reduce the CO2 footprint as well as a responsible waste management concept, to which emergency personnel will also contribute directly at the spectator points as so-called eco-marshals for the first time. For the spectators and fans, this means above all an even more attractive rally, because they can experience the exciting battle of the WRC stars in an environment that sets standards in terms of environmental protection and sustainability. Information on the Central European Rally's sustainability measures, including links to the ‘ADAC Pendlernetz’ carpooling app awarded by the FIA and tips for spectators on more environmentally friendly behaviour, can be found online at centraleuropeanrallyrally.eu.

The protection of nature and the environment as well as the preservation of the beautiful landscapes of the rally region are a central concern of the rally organisers.

The organisers of the Central European Rally 2024 summarise the refined building blocks of the sustainability concept under a central message: ‘Motorsport: Innovations for a better future’. Turning this claim into reality is ensured not least by the World Rally Championship itself. The spectacular WRC1 cars will be fueled by a hybrid system developed in Bavaria and manufactured in Austria in the battle for WRC points. In addition, the WRC also sets a good example on the routes completed with a combustion engine and uses sustainable fuels without fossil components. The all-electric ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup in the supporting programme also fits perfectly into this innovative competitive environment.

Visitors and fans are part of the concept

Measuring the CO2 footprint of the CER is part of the rally organisers' concept. The organisers also rely on the fans to further reduce this footprint. For example, attention is paid to waste avoidance, upcycling and recycling of materials in all areas. This also means that, in addition to the usual reusable utensils, regional catering is offered wherever possible, thus avoiding unnecessary transport routes. Large-scale information on environmentally friendly behavior is also intended to help visitors make their own contribution to the success of the concept. A central component of this is the formation of car pools, which will also be an important issue for CER in 2024. This is because they not only reduce CO2 emissions, but also reduce the volume of traffic in the rally regions. The ‘ADAC Pendlernetz’, a free app that rally visitors can use to form carpools, will once again be used for this purpose. This will be tailored even more precisely to the event in 2024 and will show car park locations and bus shuttle options, for example. As an incentive to use the application, a competition will also be offered directly in the app that rewards car pools with attractive prizes.

The reuse of barrier materials, for example, and many other smart solutions contribute to the Central European Rally's sustainability efforts.

Important credo of the organisers: Think global - act local

Sustainability means more than just classic environmental protection - the organisers also emphasise this with their focus on social and regional value creation. Wherever possible, there is co-operation with companies from the rally regions in Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic. For example, recycling specialist Heinz Waste Disposal is a regional partner for the paper bags in which fans can pack their merchandising purchases and sports officials their documents. Another example are the document bags in which the participating teams receive their documents at the start of the rally: They are created from CER 2023 advertising banners. This upcycling project will also be carried out in local cooperation with the non-profit organisation “Weißer Rabe”, which creates jobs for people with support needs. Professionals will have the opportunity to see for themselves on site. CER's sustainability experts are organising a specialist symposium on the topic of ‘Sustainable motorsport events’ in Bad Griesbach immediately before the event.

Task force helps with implementation on site

Even the best concept would be useless if it were not brought to life on site. This is why striking environmental information for spectators ensures broad implementation, as do the conditions at the special stages and other hotspots. Examples of this include the sufficient number of waste stations in each spectator area, which ensure the organised collection and disposal of the ‘leftovers’ of fans from all over the world. Eco-marshals will be deployed for the first time this year to ensure widespread information and acceptance. They will monitor the environmental measures and support the implementation of the environmental concept directly on site and provide visitors with assistance and tips.