The 💮Wales Rally GB will save over 36,000 ꦡbatteries from going to landfill thanks to an 'innovative' new sponsorship deal with leading batteries manufacturer Varta, organisers announced on Monday.

As part of the plan all 4,500 event marshals will be provided with a wind-up torch for use at this year's event, the final round in the World Rally Champio♛nship, which has been awarded CarbonNeutral eℱvent status.

"The partnership is part of Wales Rally GB's commitment to build a more sustainable future for motorsport," read a statement to the press. "As well as saving the batteries from going to landfill, using the Dynamo Light torch will save on battery packaging, not just for the duration of Wales Rally GB but for the continued life of the torch after the ev🌱ent, as no further batteries will be needed."

The link with Wales Rally GB is an ideal 𒉰opportunity for Varta to contribute to the event's programme of sustainability which is being launched this year.

It will🧸 also demonstrate the durability and practicality of the torch and en🧔courage a more 'eco friendly' future, not just for the event but for the 140,000 plus spectators that it attracts.

The model, which is hard-wearing and waterproof, is an ideal solutio🔯n for the volunteer marshals who are located outside in the Welsh forests, enduring the harsh British winter weather and dark afternoons, to ensure the safety of spectators and participants. Plus, the torch on🗹ly needs to be wound up for one minute to generate enough power for thirty minutes of light.

"I am delighted that Wales Rally GB has been supported by Varta and it has ꦏcome on board as one of our official suppliers," said Andrew Coe, chief executive of event organiser International Motღor Sports Ltd.

"It is important to us that we continue to reduce Wales Rally GB's impact on the environment, soꦕ saving over 36,000 batteries by using the wind-up torches is a hugely po𒉰sitive development for 2008.

"The Dynamo Light is perfect for the even⭕t's volunteer marshals, they do such a sterling job and without them the event wouldn't be able take place. The wind-up torches 🌸are our gift to say thank you to the marshals and a great way to reduce the event's carbon footprint."

"To replace battery-powered torche𒉰s with wind-up alternatives has a number of benefits - both environmental and cost saving - so I am really glad we have been able to find such a great use for our product," added Vince Armitage, divisional vice-president, Varta Consumer Batteries UK.

"The m🗹arsha♛ls will not have to worry about being caught out without spare batteries and the LED lights will be so useful in the forest stages this winter, ensuring the safety of everyone involved in the event.

"What's more📖, removing the need for batteries will reduce a significa🎃nt amount of waste from going to landfill."

The Dynamo Light from Varta will be available for purchase in leading retailers this October and from the Wales Rally GB Service Park, located at th💎e SA1 Swansea Waterfront development.