Covid Blamed for 2021 Rally Oz Dumping
Posted on October 10, 2020 Tags: Rally Australia
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Image courtesy Annie Pauwels-Teste
RALLY AUSTRALIA will not take place in 2021, due to changes in the World Rally Championship calendar. Motorsport Australia today acknowledged there will be no FIA WRC event in the country next year.
With the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic expected to continue well into the coming year, WRC organisers have decided to host the majority of their events in Europe to avoid any travel restrictions that might impact on the ability of teams to compete.
Unfortunate but Understandable
Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca said the decision was understandable.
“We have been in regular discussions with the WRC promoter and the FIA about the plans for 2021 and while it is unfortunate that Australia cannot be on the calendar next year, we understand the rationale behind the decision,” Arocca said.
“In the very short term, our focus will be on the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship, but we will also continue to work with both the WRC promoter and the FIA about hosting an Australian round in 2022 at a location to be confirmed.
“Despite this news, Motorsport Australia is still hopeful of hosting some international level rally events, with the regional FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship likely to feature at upcoming RSEA Motorsport Australia Rally Championship events in 2021.”
EUGENE AROCCA
The first three rounds of the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship have been confirmed for 2021 – including Western Australia’s Make Smoking History Forest Rally slotted in to May 1-2.
The remaining three rounds to be announced shortly, including any APRC events.
EDITED by AC
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