21 Sep 12

Rally GB set for
Wales return

Britain's round of the FIA World Rally Championship is set to remain in Wales for a 14th consecutive year in 2013 with the superspecial stage through the Celtic Manor Ryder Cup venue set to be included again.

The Welsh Government and Wales Rally GB promoter International Motor Sports have reached an agreement in principle for the event to continue in the country next season.

“Wales Rally GB is one of Wales’ long standing flagship events and has been exclusively hosted here since 2000,” said Edwina Hart, the minister for business for Wales. “In addition to reaching an in-principle agreement for 2013, we have agreed to undertake a full review of next year’s event, with a view to extending the agreement for a further two years.  

“The value of the relationship between the staging of Wales Rally GB and Wales’ automotive sector should not be underestimated. Wales Rally GB has significant links with the automotive sector in Wales, which is home to 150 component and systems manufacturing companies. The industry in Wales also employs 18,000 people in automotive manufacturing, retail and maintenance and has an annual turnover of c£3 billion.”

IMS head Andrew Coe said: “As always, our position within the World Rally Championship remains subject to FIA approval, but this renewed support from Wales represents an exciting opportunity for the future development of our round of the FIA World Rally Championship. We are talking to Celtic Manor about the future - they are very enthusiastic as well.”