Hugh Chambers, CEO of Motorsport UK, said the absence of requisite funding for the event 'was unfortunate' and the body was working towards securing sustainable funding in the future. 'We must accept the situation for 2021 and focus on our discussions to explore the avenues for 2022.' 'However, it feels Covid-19 could diminish the substantial economic benefits WRC historically bestows upon its host regions, and therefore investment would not represent best value for public money at this time.

'Tourism Northern Ireland recognises that hosting Rally Northern Ireland in 2021 represented a positive opportunity to profile the region globally, and would serve to celebrate Northern Ireland's motorsport heritage,' said Willis. Rally Northern Ireland promoter Bobby Willis said that funding was unavailable to support a successful WRC event this year due to the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic. Jade Paveley investigates what the future holds for the Wales Rally GB However the governing body of the sport had said it was open to moving the event across the Irish Sea in the future. The GB stage of the World Rally Championship has been held in Wales since 2000, but in 2020 was cancelled due to Covid-19.Īccording to Motorsport UK, Wales Rally GB annually generates in excess of £9m worth of economic benefit for the region.

The cross-border Rally Ireland appeared on the WRC calendar in 20. Our enthusiasm for a WRC round there remains strong and we look forward to continuing our discussions for 2022,' he said. 'It's sad the WRC will not enjoy the beauty of Northern Ireland this year, but the pandemic continues to impact the global economy. Jona Siebel, managing director of the WRC Promoter, said Ypres would provide 'one of the season's sternest challenges' but has kept open the door for a return to Northern Ireland in the future. However the financial challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic have meant the necessary funding is not available.ĭiscussions are ongoing about the WRC returning to Northern Ireland in 2022.

Wrc 2020 calendar