RALLYING GETS GREEN LIGHT TO RETURN IN UK
Stage action gets the go-ahead after Motorsport UK alters advice on comeback
After a four-month hiatus, UK rallying can now recommence with entries already filling up for events later in the season.
Rallying’s resumption had been complicated by drivers and co-drivers not being able to compete together. But last week, Motorsport UK CEO Hugh Chambers confirmed that following advice from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency and the successful return of other disciplines like circuit racing, this would no longer be an issue.
It’s positive news for the entire community but especially the Motorsport News Circuit Rally Championship which will now begin in November as planned without obstruction. The remainder of the BTRDA season should also be seen out too, with the Wyedean Stages and Nicky Grist Stages now poised to run.
There will be several Covid-19-related restrictions in place however, including the need for personal protective equipment, electronic timecards and heavily reduced spectator access, making single-venue events the most practical option for hosting a rally in 2020.
Elfyn Evans has given his reaction to the World Rally Championship’s restart calendar, telling Motorsport News of the sense of relief he felt when he learned the season would be completed.
Toyota Yaris driver Evans was eight points behind his world championship-leading team-mate Sebastien Ogier when the 2020 campaign was halted following a shortened Rally Mexico in mid-march.
The season is due to resume with newcomer Rally Estonia from September 4-6 followed by visits to Turkey, Germany, Sardinia and Japan.
Belgium’s Ypres Rally and the Croatia Rally remain on standby should any of the scheduled events fail, while Ypres could be added to what would then be a nine-round contest providing Turkey takes place a week ahead of schedule.
“The first thing really that comes to mind is just relief we’re going again,” Evans told Motorsport News. “It’s been a long time without any competition and I am glad they were able to work with everybody to secure an end to the championship. It would not have been easy I’m sure but now we can get back to business.”
Asked if the revised calendar offers him a greater chance of becoming world champion for the first time, the 31-year-old was non-committal.
“All I’m thinking is what’s the next event and preparing for that next event,” he said. “Right now, that’s Estonia, and now we’re waiting eagerly for the route to be announced and getting to work on that.”
Evans dismissed suggestions that he wouldn’t be a worthy champion if the calendar totalled eight rounds only.
“All I can do is turn up to the rallies and drive,” he said. “If there’s a championship there, then there’s a championship there. Somebody has to win it and we’re all in the same position. These are not normal times and we have to be happy we can get enough events together. Barring any further developments, to have this championship is good news for everybody.”