31 Oct 11

WRC Academy
2012 dates
confirmed

Next year's FIA WRC Academy intake will tackle events in Portugal, Greece, Finland, Germany, France and Spain following confirmation of the WRC Academy Cup schedule for 2012.

The second season of the exciting young driver-training category will include new rounds in Greece and Spain in addition to the founding events in Portugal - the season-opener - Finland, Germany and France. Greece and Spain replace Italy and Great Britain.

It means the calendar will continue to feature a combination of asphalt and gravel events, albeit with an increased amount of running on Tarmac following the inclusion of the mixed-surface RallyRACC-Rally de Espana, which will form the final round from 1-4 November 2012.

WRC Academy principal Marc de Jong said: “While this year's competition reaches its climax [on Wales Rally GB], we are now also looking ahead to the second season of the WRC Academy. The 2012 WRC Academy draft calendar has now been announced, so that the future stars of the WRC can start their preparation for next season. While some of the class of 2011 will be back more determined than ever to fight for the €500,000 scholarship up for grabs, we will also be welcoming new talent to take them on, on six events across Europe. Once more the Ford Fiesta will be the weapon of choice and the rules and regulations will remain similar to 2011.”

Competitors planning to contest the WRC Academy Cup can register their interest by emailing katie.traxton@northonesport.com.