27 JULY - 6 AUGUST

6 COUNTRIES IN THE PROGRAM

7^th round in the FIA Off-road rallies World Cup and 3^rd event in the FIM World Cup agenda, the MASTER RALLYE confirms its position amongst the leading events in the new Millennium.

Returning from administrative reconnaissance, René METGE is particularly satisfied with the welcome expressed by the various federations in the 6 new countries crossed by the MASTER RALLYE 2000.

After the departure from France where the prologue will take place, the crossing of Germany and Austria where the 1^st special will probably be run; Hungary, Romania, and Turkey will host the most beautiful and spectacular legs of the 2000 edition in the mythical sites which made their history.

This year moreover, all the MASTER RALLYE and MASTER RAID bivouacs will be set up on very beautiful sites, in the midst of nature, far from any airport "tarmac".

Steering and navigating will be the dominant words. Although the landscapes change enormously (every 20 km in Romania), the nature of the terrain itself will remain relatively identical. It is to the centre of Turkey, therefore more to the south than in 99, that René Metge will lead the MASTER RALLYE 2000 caravan, with a leg lasting 2 days, around one same bivouac, which looks as if it will be particularly interesting; and still a lot of "skidding" in Turkey.

The length per day of the specials will be approximately 400 km, divided into 2 parts, which will finally represent over 3 000 km of timed sectors.

In the innovations category, added to the 100% asphalt assistance route accessible to all vehicles with 2-wheel drives, is the possibility for motorcycles, quads or side-cars, to be transported on a trailer by their assistance to Budapest, in order to cover the long road link between France and Hungary in the best way.

Other particularity to be noted in the new Motorcycle "Gentleman" category, one of the drivers can enter the race, whilst the second driver can drive the assistance car, another way for 2 to take turns and therefore to manage the race better.

Ultimate indication, petrol refuelling changed to every 200 km instead of 250, will enable a number of 2-wheelers and quads to have the autonomy required for specials.

The new destination Paris-Istanbul, as well as the very attractive tariffs offered this year, have enticed over 40 enthusiasts who have already signed on for the MASTER 2000; from the banks of the Seine to the shores of the Bosphorus, it is with about one hundred competitors that René METGE and the whole organisation of the MASTER RALLYE would like to share this new look at the race . . .