WRC BOSSES KEEN TO SAY UK RETURN
WRC Promoter managing director Jona Siebel and FIA rally director Yves Matton are keen for the UK to return to the WRC, with Siebel confirming the door remains open for the event happening in 2022.
“It’s sad the WRC will not enjoy the beauty of Northern Ireland this year, but the pandemic continues to impact the global economy,” Siebel said. “Our enthusiasm for a WRC round there remains strong and we look forward to continuing our discussions for 2022.” Matton added: “Bobby Willis [Rally Northern Ireland promoter] and his team have put in a lot of work and efforts to bring the WRC to Northern Ireland and we’re very disappointed there will be no rally in the UK this year.”
But while the FIA and WRC Promoter expressed support for Rally Northern Ireland, a statement by Motorsport UK CEO Hugh Chambers cited a “close dialogue with the Welsh Government” but made no Northern Ireland reference.
That stance is understood to be down to the governing body harbouring hopes of reviving the Welsh Government’s interest in backing Rally GB following the 2020 event’s Covid-related cancellation.
Chambers said: “Against the economic backdrop of Covid19, it is unfortunate that the requisite funding could not be agreed to secure the UK’s position within the 2021 calendar. Motorsport UK is working to secure sustainable funding for the event’s early return to the WRC calendar. Those efforts include maintaining a close dialogue with the Welsh Government and other regions in order that UK fans can enjoy the spectacle of the WRC at the earliest opportunity.