With 50 days to go until Jordan hosts the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) for the third time from April 14-16, organisers have unveiled one of its most challenging routes to date, according to a statement from organisers.

The world’s best drivers will tackle 320km of competitive rallying stages over the three-day event, with the Middle East Rally Championship also being held on days two and three.

It will again underline the Kingdom’s status as one of the world’s finest motor sporting venues with famous touristic locations and the lowest point on earth - the Dead Sea - all included within the itinerary.

“The route has taken all the best aspects of 2010 and added some fresh challenges for the teams,” Randa Nabulsi, clerk of the course, was quoted in the statement as saying. “The previous two events have received glowing reports from the WRC family and we are working hard to ensure this year’s event is even bigger and better.”

Jordan will be the fourth round of the 2011 WRC season that got under way in dramatic fashion last week in Sweden. It will visit Mexico and Portugal before coming to Jordan and then back to Europe.

The breathtaking Roman city of Jerash will once again stage the ceremonial start of the rally on the morning of April 14.

The twisty Maain stage has been introduced and organisers are currently building the roads that will take competitors from below sea level to 600m above.

The water splash has been reintroduced for the popular Dead Sea stage and the spectator experience will be further enhanced with one or two more surprises that the organisers are planning including two spectacular jumps.

Once again, the King Hussein Ben Talal Convention Centre will house the rally headquarters and media centre while the service park will again overlook the Dead Sea across to the Palestinian hills.

In last week’s season opener, Ford’s all-new RS World Rally Car enjoyed a dream start at the Rally Sweden by claiming all three podium places. Mikko Hirvonen took first place, followed by Mads Ostberg and Jari-Matti Latvala.