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When is the Gumball 3000 rally London, what is the route and are Josh Denzel and Kaz Crossley there?

TAKING its name from the 1976 film The Gumball Rally, Gumball 3000 is a celebrity motor rally which takes place on public roads.

It was started in 1999 with the idea to combine cars, music, fashion and entertainment. Here's the lowdown on the 2018 event.

 This year's Gumball Rally will start in Covent Garden
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This year's Gumball Rally will start in Covent GardenCredit: GUMBALL 3000

When is the Gumball 3000 rally?

It started on Sunday, August 5.

One hundred cars will race across five countries and two continents over eight days.

It started in Covent Garden on Saturday, August 4 when fans could look over the cars.

The actual race began at 11am on Sunday, August 5 and finishes in Tokyo on August 12.

The rally will see participants including US Grammy winning rapper EVE, Baywatch actor David Hasselhoff and UK rapper Wretch 32 drive though Switzerland and Italy before being flown to Osaka, Japan, where the race will continue to Tokyo.

Drinks from Luc Belaire were served at the launch party at Proud Embankment on Saturday evening, with the bubbly brand partnering with the rally.

 Drivers from all around the world take part in the annual road race
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Drivers from all around the world take part in the annual road raceCredit: GUMBALL 3000
Celebrities David Hasselhoff and Usher join the Gumball 3000 Rally Launch

What’s the route?

Gumball 3000 started this year from London’s Covent Garden to Chantilly in France then on to Milan in Italy followed by Bologna.

Then contestants move on to Osaka in Japan, followed by Kyoto and Nanao before finishing in Tokyo.

Will Love Island's Josh and Kaz be there?

Love Island contestants Josh Denzel and Kaz Crossley attended their first ever red carpet event as a couple at Saturday night’s Gumball 3000 rally launch.

The pair finished third in the Love Island final, behind winners Jack Fincham and Dani Dyer and runners-up Laura Anderson and Paul Knops.

Since arriving home the couples have all been spotted out and about at a variety of events.

 Kaz and Josh were at the red carpet event fresh from their Love Island stint
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Kaz and Josh were at the red carpet event fresh from their Love Island stintCredit: Rex Features
 The event partners, sparkling wine brand Luc Belaire, got in on the car action with Ferrari-shaped bottle carriers at the London launch
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The event partners, sparkling wine brand Luc Belaire, got in on the car action with Ferrari-shaped bottle carriers at the London launchCredit: Luc Belaire

 

The whole event is all about charity, with teams of drivers competing to raise the most cash for the Gumball 3000 Foundation.

The foundation focuses on projects for young people, aiming to improve life for children and teens growing up in deprived areas.

Among the beneficiaries are When You Wish Upon A Star, The Laureus Sport For Good Foundation, The Tony Hawk Foundation, The Sir Simon Milton Foundation, The Nelson Mandela Children's Fund UK and The Westway Trust.

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