After a two-year absence, international rallying is set to make a return to Britain with the highly anticipated Rali Ceredigion. The event, which will take place from August 30th to September 1st, has been awarded the honor of hosting the penultimate round of the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) season. This marks the first time since the 2019 Wales Rally GB that the World Rally Championship has visited the shores of Britain.
Since its inauguration in 2019, Rali Ceredigion has been steadily gaining recognition within the rally community. The asphalt rally, situated around the picturesque seaside town of Aberystwyth, has been making a name for itself by delivering thrilling stages and attracting top-notch competitors. This year, it successfully hosted the fifth round of the British Rally Championship and a round of the FIA European Rally Trophy, solidifying its status as a premier rally event.
The achievement of securing ERC status for Rali Ceredigion could not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of the event organizers, regional stakeholders, and commercial partners. Working closely with entities such as Ceredigion County Council, they have managed to secure the necessary resources and infrastructure to meet the high standards set by the ERC. This not only ensures the success of the event but also brings economic benefits to the region by attracting motorsport enthusiasts from around the world.
A Diverse Championship Calendar
The ERC season will commence on gravel in Hungary from April 12th to 14th before transitioning to Tarmac rallies. The series will make its way to Rally Islas Canarias in May, marking the first of five Tarmac events. The third round, Royal Rally Scandinavia, will take place in June, followed by a visit to Estonia. Rally Estonia unfortunately lost its place on the WRC calendar, but the country will still be represented through Latvia’s promotion to the 2024 WRC schedule. The calendar also includes the well-established Rally di Roma and the Barum Rally in the Czech Republic.
An Exciting Finale
After the much-awaited return to Britain, the ERC season will come to a thrilling conclusion in Poland with the Silesia Rally in October. This promising event will showcase the skills and determination of the competitors as they battle it out on the challenging stages of Poland. The championship manager, Iain Campbell, expressed his satisfaction with the newly announced 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 return of international rallying to Britain is an exciting development for motorsport enthusiasts. Rali Ceredigion’s elevation to the ranks of the FIA European Rally Championship illustrates the growing reputation of the event and highlights the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders. With a diverse calendar featuring both new and established rallies, the ERC season promises to deliver exhilarating action and a worthy finale in Poland.
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