One of the UK's most spectacular motor sport events is coming to Poole for the first time.

With a line up featuring teams from across the UK, Ireland, Iceland and Europe, the prestigious Rallye Sunseeker brings the world's motor sport elite to Poole Quay for a unique ceremonial start and parade on Friday 26 February.

Kicking off a weekend of exhilarating motor sport in style, Poole Quay will be closed to traffic as the best cars, drivers and teams in the business arrive on Poole's continental quayside from 6.15pm onwards for a fabulous line up.  Drivers will take to their vehicles at 7.30pm for the Ceremonial start of the rally, with each car leaving the starting blocks at 30 second intervals, flagged off by the Mayor of Poole Cllr Rev Charles Meachin.  The only free event in the programme will see competitors from 16 classes on display ranging from state of the art World Rally Cars to historic vehicles plus six identical Land Rover Wolfs from the Armed Forces Rally Team.

Enthusiasts will also be able to view the cars before the rally at Littledown Leisure Centre on Friday 26^th February where the technical details of the cars are checked and verified with the event itself taking place on Saturday 27 February in Wareham Forest, Ringwood Forest and Somerley Park, near Ringwood.  Tickets are available from www.rallyesunseeker.co.uk

The rally will see reigning national rally champion Marcus Dodd with co-driver Andrew Bargery hoping to win with their Poole based Hyundai World Rally Championship car.

Bruce Grant Braham, Chairman of Poole Tourism Partnership, said: "This event is a great opportunity for novices and enthusiasts to quiz drivers about these fabulous vehicles and the driving techniques needed to compete at the highest level in this thrilling sport.   We are delighted they have chosen to come to Poole and I hope everyone makes the most of this fantastic chance to see world class motor sport up close and personal - all for free."

For the first time a new trophy and £1000 prize has been introduced in memory of the late Richard Burns a former World Rally Champion.  The prize and trophy are designed to raise funds for and the profile of the Richard Burns Foundation which supports those who have suffered serious or life threatening injuries, particularly in motor sport.

Event Director Rick Smith, said: "Our title sponsor for the past 12 years, Sunseeker International is a major part of Poole life, what better place to start Rallye Sunseeker than on Poole's vibrant Quay."

For more information on the event visit www.rallyesunseeker.co.uk

Competitors for the event include:  Kenny McKinstry, 2001 Association of National Championship Rally Organisers (ANCRO) National Rally champion and former winner Rallye Sunseeker Winner, 2002.  Competing for the first time in Rallye Sunseeker is British Trial Drivers Association (BRTDA) N4 class Champion Alex Allingham.

Where to spectate for Rallye Sunseeker 2010

Friday 26th February.
Scrutineering, Littledown Centre, Bournemouth 11.00am-4.00pm. Gives you the chance to see the competing cars up close as they undergo technical inspection for the rally. There will be full commentary and driver interviews, as well as the opportunity to buy the official souvenir programme and car park tickets for the following day.
Admission is £3 per person.

Ceremonial Start, Poole Quay, from 6pm.  New for 2010 all the competitors with their cars will be on display on Poole Quay. The Mayor of Poole will flag cars off from 7.30pm. See a magnificent Sunseeker super yacht, the VK bus, merchandising stalls and visit the pubs, bars and restaurants

Saturday 27th February.
9am - competitors leave the service area at Elliotthire Canford Arena for stages in the Wareham and Ringwood forests as well as Somerley Park.  Visit www.rallyesunseeker.co.uk