Rally GB gets the OK

12th June 2009

Fans of rallying can breathe a sigh of relief: the world championship will be coming to Britain in October after all.

There had been major fears for the UK round – Rally GB – after the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) pulled the plug on its £2.2m sponsorship deal. Although a legal battle between the event’s organiser and the WAG is ongoing, governing body the Motor Sports Association (MSA) has agreed to underwrite the costs of the event, allowing fans to see reigning champion Sebastien Loeb try to repeat his victory there last year.

“We have decided to support this prestigious event for the good of the sport, while pursuing our case against the Welsh Assembly Government for its breach of contract,” said MSA chief Alan Gow. Despite the fall-out with the WAG and a desire for a change of venue from competitors, this year’s Rally GB will still be based in Cardiff. “The time is coming for a move,” said Matthew Wilson, top WRC Brit. “It’s Rally GB, not the Rally of Wales, and other areas have a lot to offer.”

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