Included in the WRC for the first time in 2003, the Rally of Turkey has been based in the holiday region of Antalya in the south-west of the country until its most recent WRC appearance in 2008.

This year, however, organisers have shifted the rally's location to the other side of the country to Istanbul - the world’s fifth largest city and the only one to straddle two continents (Europe and Asia).

Because of the move, this year's Rally of Turkey represents a big step into the unknown for WRC drivers and teams, who tackle a brand new selection of stages to the north and east of the Asian side of Istanbul.

After the brutal, rocky gravel stages of Antalya, the 2010 route should be less punishing. Then new tests are generally fast, wide and smooth, with a flowing nature, but the fact that the predominantly gravel route contains almost 50km of asphalt is bound to turn up a few surprises.

This year is already a historic one for Istanbul, as it takes on the mantle of European City of Culture, and the WRC round is certain to add to that colour and atmosphere.

New for 2010:

A spectacular ceremonial start: The event will get underway from the historical Sultanahmet Square, right in the heart of the city, between the famous Blue Mosque and Haghia Sophia.

A marine adventure: Before the start, all competitors and their cars will be taken for a ferry trip on the Bosphorus - the strait that splits the European and Asian parts of Istanbul.