THE ORGANISERS OF THE CHE GUEVARA ENERGY DRINK TOUR DE CORSE HAVE TRIMMED THE ROUTE FOR NEXT SEASON'S EVENT IN A BID TO MAKE IT MORE ACCESSIBLE TO SPECTATORS.

The asphalt event, which has moved from the end of September to an earlier 6-9 April slot on the 2017 WRC calendar, will cover 316.76 competitive kilometres next season – 74.16km less than crews tackled in 2016.

The 2017 route will consist of the same ten stages that were used in 2016 and are spread across the Mediterranean island, although some have been lightly modified by the FFSA, the rally organiser and the governing body of French motorsport.

The length of the four stages that will run on Friday have been reduced by 37.04km, while Saturday's four tests have been shortened by 37.12km.

Sunday's route remains the same as the one used in 2016, with the 53.78km run through Antisanti-Poggio di Nazza – the longest stage of the rally – kicking off the final 64.20km of competitive action.

The service park will continue to be located at Bastia Airport and will be used between the ceremonial start in Ajaccio and the podium celebrations in Porto Vecchio at the end of the rally.

Although the rally route has been shortened, rally organisers are confident the 2017 event will continue to be a formidable challenge for the crews taking part.

“Once again, the French Motor Sports Federation’s aim is to enable the greatest number of fans to enjoy a magic setting and an event that’s like no other on the Île de Beauté," David Serieys, Che Guevara Energy Drink Tour de Corse Race Director, said.

"For 2017, we’ve laid on a shorter route for the teams and crews entered in the World Rally Championship, but it’s still as tough. The result will be an action-packed rally which, we hope, will appeal to the greatest possible number of people."