In an exciting development for rally fans in the UK, discussions are underway for Rali Ceredigion to join the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC). This asphalt event, held in the picturesque seaside town of Aberystwyth, has been gaining recognition since its inaugural edition in 2019. With the possibility of securing ERC status, Rali Ceredigion aims to bring international rallying back to Britain, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the country.
The organizers of Rali Ceredigion have been working closely with regional stakeholders, including Ceredigion County Council, and commercial partners to ensure the necessary resources and infrastructure are in place. The event’s representatives recently attended the Royal Rally of Scandinavia ERC round in Sweden, where they engaged in discussions with the championship promoter regarding the future of Rali Ceredigion. As plans are being finalized for the 2024 ERC schedule, it is highly likely that Rali Ceredigion will be included as one of the eight rounds.
Should Rali Ceredigion successfully secure a slot in the 2024 ERC schedule, it would mark the return of international rallying to Britain after a hiatus since the 2019 Wales Rally GB. The loss of funding led to the country losing its round of the World Rally Championship, which had been hosted in Wales from 2000 to 2019. Despite efforts to bring the WRC to Northern Ireland, a lack of government funding has hindered these plans, causing the UK to be excluded from the 2024 WRC schedule altogether. The inclusion of Rali Ceredigion in the ERC would be a significant boost for British rallying and a testament to the organizers’ tenacity in promoting the sport in the country.
As the World Rally Championship finalizes its 2024 calendar, changes are expected with new destinations added and postponed plans. Saudi Arabia and the USA, originally slated for 2024, will now be pushed back to 2025. In an exciting development, Latvia will host its first WRC round, with Rally Liepaja being promoted from the ERC to replace Estonia on the calendar. While the UK may miss out on a spot in the 2024 WRC schedule, the potential inclusion of Rali Ceredigion in the ERC ensures that rallying enthusiasts in the country can still witness top-level international competition.
The discussions between Rali Ceredigion representatives and the ERC highlight the ambition and determination to establish the event as a significant fixture in the international rallying calendar. With its breathtaking coastal setting and challenging asphalt stages, Rali Ceredigion has the potential to attract both drivers and spectators from around the world. As the process to secure ERC status continues, rally fans eagerly anticipate the return of top-level international rallying to the UK, ready to embrace the thrilling action and showcase their passion for the sport.
The potential inclusion of Rali Ceredigion in the ERC is a promising development for the UK rally scene. With collaborative efforts to secure ERC status and a rich rallying heritage in the country, the return of international rallying to the UK is within reach. The organizers’ unwavering commitment and the support of regional stakeholders demonstrate the growing importance of Rali Ceredigion and its potential to reignite the passion for rallying in Britain. As the finalization of the 2024 ERC schedule approaches, rally enthusiasts eagerly await the announcement that will mark a new chapter in the UK’s rallying history.
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