43rd Allianz Rallye

Dear Ladies and Gentleman,

Warm welcome to all participants, competitors, their crews and the spectators who came to visit the 43^rdAllianz Mecsek Rally in the European Capitol of Culture.

Those who are interested in culture in this continent pay particular attention to Pécs during 2010. Since the beginning of the year there is a significant increase in foreign and Hungarian tourists, we are trying our best to show the culture, tradition and the qualities of the city. One of these extraordinary qualities is the Allianz Mecsek Rallye, which excites the participants for the 43^rd time this year. Special thanks to the organisers, especially to István Jelen who organising the whole event for 20 years now!

The Mecsek Rallye was originally organised by the Pécsi Volán Sport Club, who have done everything possible, putting all the effort in, sparing no time and money to ensure the success of this event. The period races attracted many visitors, due to the fact that the period rally cars were not only present on the roads of Mecsek, but also in the city centre. The main square, Széchenyi square used to host the parc fermé, which was an attraction for everyone, especially since they could cast their eyes on the cars from a close distance.

Prior the political regime change, before anyone in Hungary has heard of a manufacturer team, the competitors usually built and maintained their own rally cars. The national motorsport has mostly developed without any western technology. The Mecsek Rallye gave an opportunity to this specific world to be visible for all, therefore becoming a part of the culture of Hungary as well as Pécs.

I find it very fortunate that the local rally fans can see the best of the national competitors and those who visit the event from a different city have the possibility to explore the beauties of our 2000 year old city and experience the autumn atmosphere in Pécs after the event.

I wish you to return home with pleasant memories of Pécs, whichever position you may have achieved on the roads of Mecsek.

Csaba Nagy
Vice-mayor of Pécs