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Thursday, December 04, 2008, 16:55
The popular motorsport event, which attracts around 80 million television viewers each year, as well as thousands of spectators, officially began last night.
However, suspension failure caused Norweigian driver Henning Solberg to crash his car in to a tree in Penllergaer Forest — before the event had even begun.
The 35-year-old simply couldn't believe his luck.
He said: "It happened on the first straight. We were doing about 150 kilometres per hour when, bang, the damper just came through the bonnet.
"We immediately went off and finally came to a stop when the car touched a tree. Luckily, we only damaged the bumper when we hit it."
The three-mile practice session, called a shakedown, gave drivers a taster of this year's rally.
However, Solberg will want to put the day's events behind him.
"We should be okay for the start tomorrow," he said.
"But this is the second time I've had this problem — it only seems to happen to me."
The opening ceremony took place in Cardiff at 6pm yesterday evening, and three of the 19 stages were due to take place this morning.
However, petrolheads have been flocking to Swansea's SA1, where the event's service park is based.
It gives fans the chance to watch the teams change gearboxes, wheels and tyres in super-quick time.
Frances Jenkins from Swansea Council described the event as one of the most popular for British rally fans.
"Spectators travel from all over the UK to stay in the city, which is fantastic for local tourism, particularly at this time of the year," she said.
Tickets for one day's access to the service park are £5 for adults and kids go for £1.
For more information call 0844 847 2251 or visit www.walesrally gb.com
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