The FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship China Rally Longyou 2018 will commence at 10:45 a.m. on Oct. 19 at Rongchang Square in Longyou county, southeast China's Zhejiang province.

The rally is the 11th international auto racing competition held in Longyou. The county has held various national rally events since 2003.

Over 1,000 participants are expected to take part in the three-day event, representing China and other countries including Australia, the U.K., India, Sweden, Austria, New Zealand, Japan, Sri Lanka and Malaysia.

Over 100 automobiles will compete on 220.82-kilometer stages, with the whole course at 642.39 kilometers long.

The stages in Longyou features many U-shape and S-shape bends as well as steep slopes. As it is the rainy season in areas along the course, the stages could also become slippery, posing more challenges to contestants.

With contestants starting to report to the course from Oct. 16, they are also required to have their automobiles examined before the race takes place.

On the morning of Oct. 19, organizers will host interactive promotional events with contestants, journalists, sponsors, guests, and fans, including mock runs on the course.

The event is organized by the Federation of Automobile and the Motorcycle Sports of China, the Zhejiang Sport Bureau, and the Zhejiang Tourism Bureau. China.org.cn will be liveblogging on the first day of the three-day event. Please stay tuned.