Rallying given the green light in the UK
Motorsport UK has announced that sanctioned rallies will once again be able take place following the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown.
All national governing body-sanctioned events for racing and rallying were suspended in March due to the spread of COVID-19. The first three UK club race meetings of the year took place two weekends ago, all of which followed strict new guidelines, including new safety protocols, social-distancing measures and no admittance for spectators.
But stage rallying had remained unable to restart – except for single-stage rally time-trial events – primarily due to the car being shared by two people, making it impossible to practise social distancing.
Last Thursday, the governing body announced that rallying events would also now be allowed to return, including single and multi-venue, closed-road, navigational and road rallies. It comes too late for the British Rally Championship, which announced last month that it would be cancelling its 2020 season.
Motorsport UK CEO Hugh Chambers said: “We were delighted with how our first weekend of motorsport went following the suspension of all permits. Upon visiting the various events it was clear members of our community were incredibly enthusiastic.
“Rallying had to follow at a later date, as we worked upon the relevant information and followed the latest government guidelines. Following the updates from the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency [DVSA], this has enabled us to work on similar procedures to accommodate both driver and co-driver in a vehicle.
“We have also put together information for event organisers, giving them time to implement appropriate measures, and Motorsport UK is here to help support clubs restart this popular discipline.”
Guidelines issued by the governing body on two people sharing a vehicle state “occupancy to be in accordance with Government advice”. It will be mandatory for those not from the same household to wear “a tight fitting covering” across the mouth and nose, while such coverings are recommended for those who are from the same household.
Other protocols include every vehicle to carry a hand sanitiser, a limit on team personnel in the service area, and increased social distancing.
Former British and Scottish Rally champion David Bogie is encouraged by the measures that have been put in place, but believes it is imperative that clubs work together in order to hold events this year.
“I think the measures that they’ve put in place will be more than enough,” he said. “It’s going to be difficult for organisers – it’s hard enough to run a rally under normal circumstances, never mind running an event under these new procedures. Of course the disinfectant of the equipment, the designated COVID medical officer, social distancing, trying to control spectators on the stages – it’s going to be very difficult and anybody who can pull an event off under those conditions will have my utmost respect.
“But I think probably now more than ever it’s important that clubs pull together and work together to ensure that we can get these events on.”