Eyes of the ERC on Rali Ceredigion

It's no secret that Rali Ceredigion organisers are targeting a slot on the FIA European Rally Championship calendar, With chairman of the Rali Ceredigion organising team Phil Pugh publicly declaring bringing an ERC round to Wales is a priority:

“Every year we strive to innovate and drive our event forward, and fulfilling our ambition to become a round of the ERC is the next step in that progression.

“Losing Wales Rally GB has been a significant set-back for rallying in the UK and it’s important that we, as event organisers and enthusiasts, do whatever we can to try and restore our place on an international championship. In doing so, it would give UK competitors in supporting domestic championships a chance to pit themselves against a top-class ERC field.

“For decades, gravel stages in Wales were at the heart of UK WRC rounds. However, we can also offer a network of high-quality Tarmac roads that provide a very different and unique, world-class challenge. Indeed, it’s not unthinkable that Welsh public roads could see the return of WRC stars sometime in the future.

“But for now, our target is to be an ERC round – sooner rather than later – and we’re working diligently with key stakeholders such as Ceredigion County Council to secure a slot at the earliest opportunity. Our visit to the Royal Rally resulted in some very useful discussions with the promoter and allowed us to see exactly what is required to deliver our strategy and make that happen.

“I’m proud to say that Rali Ceredigion is already operating to high standards. It is the only rally in the UK which runs to the FIA’s Environmental Accreditation, we offset the emissions of all competing vehicles and deliver live action and presenter-led broadcasts from every stage. We are therefore in a great position to step up to become a round of an international championship.”

Iain Campbell, FIA European Rally Championship Manager, said: “The WRC Promoter is regularly in conversations with interested parties to be part of the FIA European Rally Championship and it is of no secret that one of those interested is Rali Ceredigion. We will continue to hold an open dialogue to have a round of the ERC in the UK.”

Its still unclear if representatives from the ERC will be in attendance for this weekends Rali Ceredigion, Round five of the British Rally Championship.