As expected, Rally of Turkey organizers have confirmed the event will move to Istanbul for 2010.
After five years in the holiday resort of Kemer, the shift to the world's fifth-largest city – with a population of 12 million people – will raise the profile of the World Rally Championship in the country, and offer the sport the unique opportunity of spanning two continents.
A statement from the organizers confirmed the service park will be in Europe and the stages across the other side of the Bosphorus river in Asia.
"The event will get under way on Thursday, April 15, in historical Sultanahmet Square, between the famous Blue Mosque and Haghia Sophia," said the statement. "Before the ceremonial start, all the competitors will enjoy a unique ferry trip on the Bosphorus [river], with all the rally cars on board."
The statement confirmed the stages used would be the the same roads used for the Istanbul Rally, an FIA European Rally Championship round.
"[The] special stages of three days will be based on the Asian side of Istanbul. Generally, the roads are fast, wide, smooth-surfaced gravel and flowing as praised by ERC drivers in the past three years. The organizing committee is also planning to arrange a super special stage."