CER organisers label WRC debut a success

The four-day event provided scintillating action in changeable conditions, with world champions Kalle Rovanperä, Jonne Halttunen, Andreas Mikkelsen and Torstein Eriksen crowned at the conclusion.

One stage was neutralised on the opening day when the FIA worked closely with the event’s safety team, after spectators were found to be moving around close to the road.

CER spokesperson Michael Kramp said that one incident would be investigated, but it wouldn’t cloud what was a great event.

“Are we happy? Was Central European Rally a success? Yes, definitely,” he said. “The spectators we had were more than expected – we measure around 125,000 and they are individual ticket sales. All the messages we got from journalists and from everybody is that the stages are good – they were bringing a good mood to us.

“The spectators and the fans have had a good time and this is very important to us.

“Of course, we understand the crews will feel that some aspects of the event are not perfect, but we’re working on those. This was our first time and to bring three different sporting cultures as well as three different cultures together like this is a great achievement.

“We’re already looking to the next one and looking at ways we can improve in some areas.

“But for this one, we are very happy."