International rallying will make its long-awaited return to British shores with the announcement that Rali Ceredigion will host the penultimate round of the ERC season. The rally, which takes place from 30 August to 1 September, will mark the first time the World Rally Championship has visited Britain since the 2019 Wales Rally GB. Rali Ceredigion, an asphalt rally located around the picturesque seaside town of Aberystwyth, has been steadily gaining recognition and acclaim since its debut in 2019. This year, it successfully hosted the fifth round of the British Rally Championship and a round of the FIA European Rally Trophy, further solidifying its reputation as a world-class event.
Event organizers have been working tirelessly with regional stakeholders, including the Ceredigion County Council, as well as commercial partners to ensure that the necessary resources and infrastructure are in place to elevate Rali Ceredigion to ERC status for next year. This collaborative effort is a testament to the commitment and dedication of all parties involved in bringing high-level rallying back to Britain. The confidence and support from the local community and businesses have been instrumental in securing the rally’s place on the ERC calendar.
The ERC season will kick off in Hungary on 12-14 April with a gravel rally, setting the stage for an exhilarating championship battle. From there, the drivers and teams will tackle the first of five Tarmac rallies at Rally Islas Canarias in May, showcasing their skill and expertise on a different type of surface. The third round will take place in Scandinavia with the Royal Rally Scandinavia, followed by a visit to Estonia. Rally Estonia unfortunately lost its place on the WRC calendar for next year, but it will continue to feature in the ERC alongside Rally di Roma and the Czech Republic’s Barum Rally.
After the exciting round in Wales, the ERC season will culminate in Poland with the Silesia Rally in October. This event promises to be a true test of skill and endurance, providing a fitting finale to what is sure to be an action-packed season. The geographical diversity of the ERC calendar reflects the commitment to showcasing the best of European rallying, with each event offering its own unique challenges and characteristics.
Championship manager Iain Campbell expressed his satisfaction with the finalized calendar, stating, “We’ve worked hard to deliver a calendar that blends new events with rallies that have, for many years, played a key role in the ongoing success of the ERC.” The inclusion of Rali Ceredigion is a testament to the organizers’ commitment to innovation and their recognition of the rally’s growing significance in the rallying world. The return of international rallying to Britain is an exciting prospect, and Rali Ceredigion promises to deliver a thrilling spectacle for both competitors and spectators alike.
The inclusion of Rali Ceredigion as the penultimate round of the ERC season marks a significant milestone for international rallying in Britain. With its stunning location and growing reputation, the rally has quickly become a highlight of the British Rally Championship and the FIA European Rally Trophy. The collaborative efforts of event organizers, stakeholders, and commercial partners have ensured that the necessary resources and infrastructure are in place to elevate the rally to ERC status. The diverse ERC calendar, which includes a mix of gravel and Tarmac rallies across multiple countries, further highlights the commitment to showcasing the best of European rallying. With the addition of Rali Ceredigion, the upcoming season promises to be a thrilling and unforgettable experience for all involved.
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