Little less than a month before the start, organizers of the Geko Ypres Rally have announced a number of changes to increase spectator comfort and make sure fans can optimally enjoy the action. First and foremast organizers have drastically increased the number of Spectator Arenas, and moreover, they have also decided to limit No Public zones to an absolute minimum.

This year's Geko Ypres Rally, a classic of the IRC championship, will take place in the weekend of 22-23 June. Organizers have announced more Spectator Arenas and virtually zero No Public zones.

Rally Manager Alain Penasse explains: "We have been using Specator Arenas for some years now, to make sure spectators can enjoy the rally to its full extent. The arenas are hot spots along the stages, which are easy to reach and from where you can literally keep an overview of the cars as these arenas are most often elevated viewpoints. Every Spectator Arena is branded by its sponsor and features catering, live Rally Radio and toilets."

Another big change for this year's edition is the organizer's decision to drastically reduce the number of No Public zones. Alain Penasse: "We have decided to transform most of the No Public zones into so-called 10 meter zones. This means that spectators are welcome everywhere along the stage, as long as they stay 10 meters from the road. I would like to ask all spectators to keep this distance, respect the marshalls' instructions and urge their friends to do the same. Police will patrol in those area and can follow the Belgian legislation fine €150 to undisciplined spectators. In this way we can turn the 2012 edition into a spectators' treat."

The Rally Village in the center of Ypres will also feature the Belgian Responsible Rally Supporters tent. Fans can sign the responsibility charter to underline their commitment to enjoy rallying in the safest possible way.

Organizers are also proud to announce that 120 crews will take the start of the rally. This means that technical scrutinizing for the cars numbered 1-20 will take place on Wednesday evening, with all other cars screened on Thursday.