Which rally should they add to the WRC-calendar?

[AndyRAC]

Holding Rally Ireland in January or November didn't really do them any favours. Ideally, any time from May - July would be best.

[Eli]

is there any chance we'll see Rally Australia back in Perth in years to come???

[6789]

Highly doubtful that Perth will ever be back. The Coffs Harbour event has substantial government backing and the reason Perth was cancelled was due to no government funding. See how Coffs goes this year, it's a new event which is developing. Consecutive years will really be a big benefit.

[Mitch555]

I am probably going to get eaten alive here by suggesting this, but why does France have essentially 2 rounds? All of Monte Carlo's stages are in France, and the start is in Valence. I understand Corsica had great historical value for the WRC but Alsace I'm not a fan of.

There are 2 rallies I'd like to see on the calendar, USA and Japan.

Rim of the World - Los Angeles, CA
Have done some research into the region. The roads look amazing from videos, a bit rough, and narrow. The old Rim of the World was based in the Mountains north of Los Angeles. Great sweeping views of the city too, and great scope for stages within the city in Stadiums, reserves and parks. Also a very good service park available close to the stages and major linking highways in the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena. Would be great exposure for the WRC. Far better option than Mexico.

"Initial D - Touge" Rally Japan
Wouldn't be bad seeing a new Tarmac rally on the calendar, and one with distinct character. the twists of Gunma, the hazardous drains... The roads are around the far outskirts of Tokyo (1.5 hrs away) which also gives access to a high population base. Certainly preferred over China by me at the moment.

[Mintexmemory]

I am probably going to get eaten alive here by suggesting this, but why does France have essentially 2 rounds? All of Monte Carlo's stages are in France, and the start is in Valence. I understand Corsica had great historical value for the WRC but Alsace I'm not a fan of.

There are 2 rallies I'd like to see on the calendar, USA and Japan.

Rim of the World - Los Angeles, CA
Have done some research into the region. The roads look amazing from videos, a bit rough, and narrow. The old Rim of the World was based in the Mountains north of Los Angeles. Great sweeping views of the city too, and great scope for stages within the city in Stadiums, reserves and parks. Also a very good service park available close to the stages and major linking highways in the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena. Would be great exposure for the WRC. Far better option than Mexico.

"Initial D - Touge" Rally Japan
Wouldn't be bad seeing a new Tarmac rally on the calendar, and one with distinct character. the twists of Gunma, the hazardous drains... The roads are around the far outskirts of Tokyo (1.5 hrs away) which also gives access to a high population base. Certainly preferred over China by me at the moment.


No it's been said before Mitch (cmon keep up) even les contibutuers Francais have said the French rally can go (if they can't return to Tour de Corse)
Ok so Monte actually now starts in Gap but all the competitive mileage is in France. The ACM should have tried to do a deal with the Italian controlling body to get a day's use of Sanremo stages.
Ok Japan has some motorsport history and marshalling of circuit racing experience, has to be a reason why the previous Rally Japan got dropped though?
As for the States - clearly some great roads, but even as you outlined I think the local interest would be zip.

[EightGear]

Ok so Monte actually now starts in Gap but all the competitive mileage is in France.

Gap is France too.

[wrc1600]

Gap is France too.

All stages are in France, Monaco hosts Service Park and Finish.

[Mintexmemory]

All stages are in France, Monaco hosts Service Park and Finish.
I know (I have my gite booked already for January). I was correcting Mitch's impression that the start was Valence (also in France ;) )

[vino_93]

seriously, how do you want to do a rally run only in Monaco ? In fact, this is called GP de Monaco :D

But as I said before, I totally agree that Rally de France must disappear. No interest in WRC when important countries are missing, or when Acropolis leaves ...

[Eli]

unless they put it back Tour de Course

[vino_93]

I'll not arrive in the years coming.
I think Tour de Corse is happy with ERC, and local government too, as they don't want to put money.

[Eli]

just saw rally Poland yesterday on eurosport, great rally should be run in September, rain-mud. It's a shame they have to take away the acropolis though...

[Eli]

so this weekend we'll have both ERC's and WRC's Calendars published right?

[tommeke_B]

https://scontent-b-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/954816_10201900891193231_878311231_n.jpg

For me this is great news! :)

[makinen_fan]

https://scontent-b-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/954816_10201900891193231_878311231_n.jpg

For me this is great news! :)

hard to understand what it say... is it about Italian round staying in Sardinia?

[tommeke_B]

"The WRC circus does not abandon the Island (Sardinia)."

[Eli]

so it looks like Acropolis will be announced out officialy this weekend, and Poland will replace it, such a shame we can't have both and have 14 rounds in the calendar for a change.

[Bartolbia84]

Sardinia is confirmed!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Eli]

only a matter of formallity when they confirm next year's calendar tommorow-looks like Acropolis Out, Poland in and everything else stays pretty much as it were.

[A FONDO]

Eli, have not you been on summer vacation yet?

[Eli]

no,last summer vacation was a long time ago...

[A FONDO]

I thought so.

Go somewhere to relax for a while.

[makinen_fan]

Just posted by Acropolis Rally, the official list of rallies for 2014. Everything as expected:
http://www.acropolisrally.gr/GR/2013/me ... -1900.html (http://www.acropolisrally.gr/GR/2013/media-2013/press-releases-2013/press-releases/1/dt-27092013-1900.html)

[scn]

http://www.maxrally.com/2013/09/27/in-m ... y-williams (http://www.maxrally.com/2013/09/27/in-memoriam-personal-memories-of-the-acropolis.-by-jerry-williams)

According to information in Greece, Greek prime minister had a phone conversation with Mr Todt and gave him reassurance that there will be no problem with the financial matters, giving government support to the event. If this is so, then one just wonders.

[NxOxT]

Those damn europeans... they mess with the struggle of the pure greek people... i will cry today... a bit.

[scn]

Those damn europeans... they mess with the struggle of the pure greek people... i will cry today... a bit.
The article, in which it says "Suffice to say the pretexts for getting rid of this wonderful event are as flimsy as Chinese lanterns.", was written by Mr Jerry Williams. I suggest you try to remember that we do not have such names in Greece.

P.S. In this whole forum, as well as all others I have had experience of, NxOxT is the only one that expresses hate for one country, it doesn't matter which one. I leave it up to the other members of this forum to judge the validity of the statements of such a person, in every sector.

[A FONDO]

By the way you wrote your previous post, it really deserves a bit of irony. People didnt reply to it in order to avoid beginning pointless argues, but at least one greek showed up to calm down the emotions. What assurance can be words on the phone? What do you mean one could wonder - that somebody is just jealous to Rally Acropolis and wants to ruin it? Okay I also don't agree with FIA's current policy to replace events for more money, but behaving like innocent victim is disrespectful, esepcially when you've recently had problems with paying.

[scn]

What assurance can be words on the phone?
If someone demands from a prime minister to give written reassurance to an ex rally co-driver, president of some sport federation, then he is totally out of this world.

As far as the "innocent victim" is conerned, please read my previous posts, in which I said about the debt of the former organizer to FIA and the other mistakes that have been made. The debt DOES NOT regard Rally Acropolis, but another activity. However, the present organizer agreed to pay for it. Which is a mistake, by the way, simply because FIA supported the former organizer in any way when several people in Greece tried to show that this group of people did a lot of harm to the sport (and our wallets as rally drivers).

What I mean by "one could only wonder" is simply this: I have not heard of any arguments from any FIA executive against Acropolis. It would be OK if someone said that there are safety issues or that the stages are boring or that the general organization is mediocre or that the stages are empty of fans. I have heard only silence. So, how can I not wonder?

P.S. By the way, I doubt that it is good to have Rally Acroplis back. I regard that the 440.000 per year that FIA asks for it are plain robbery, and I doubt that the country is benefited any more by such an expensive event. The example of Sweden which sent FIA away might not be a mistake and I believe strongly that before applying for an event in the future there should be very careful study of the benefits-damage balance.

[A FONDO]

For the first paragraph, I will let somebody else here reply to it.

For the third, well, if you had learned that FIA wants more money from every country, you should not wonder anymore.

[PLuto]

It was decided many months ago that Poland will be in WRC. So they only need to find an event to replace. And Acropolis was ideal for this deal...

[scn]

It was decided many months ago that Poland will be in WRC. So they only need to find an event to replace. And Acropolis was ideal for this deal...
Please explain why it was ideal so that I can understand it also. To my point of view, the first country that should have its event replaced is the one that has two in the calendar. But probably I forget the nationality of Mr Todt.

P.S. There is no objection in having Poland back. As far as I know, it is a fast and interesting rally, with many spectators.

[liposh]

...Are there any rumours that Acropolis could be in 2014 ERC calender? BTW. When will be the ERC calender released? I thought both calenders will be ready during Porec FIA meeting.

[scn]

...Are there any rumours that Acropolis could be in 2014 ERC calender? BTW.
Very doubtful. If there is a money problem for WRC, then it is many times bigger for an ERC event. The cost is still extremely high but the money from sponsors and government are expected to be almost zero for an ERC event. This is the reason that the former Greek ERC event, Rally ELPA, was stopped.

[PLuto]

Please explain why it was ideal so that I can understand it also. To my point of view, the first country that should have its event replaced is the one that has two in the calendar. But probably I forget the nationality of Mr Todt.

It looks like Greece dont have so strong "politic connections" at FIA...

[PLuto]

...Are there any rumours that Acropolis could be in 2014 ERC calender? BTW. When will be the ERC calender released? I thought both calenders will be ready during Porec FIA meeting.

I think not so big chances to have Acropolis in ERC 2014. But we will see...

[PLuto]

Very doubtful. If there is a money problem for WRC, then it is many times bigger for an ERC event. The cost is still extremely high but the money from sponsors and government are expected to be almost zero for an ERC event. This is the reason that the former Greek ERC event, Rally ELPA, was stopped.

I think that money is not the only problem why Acropolis is out of WRC...

[Eli]

let's hope we can have greece back alongside all of next year's calendar for 2015...

[NxOxT]

let's hope we can have greece back alongside all of next year's calendar for 2015...

along with world peace.

[scn]

I think that money is not the only problem why Acropolis is out of WRC...
Then please explain, because nobody says a damn thing. This silence is very annoying. On the contrary you just hear good things about the rally from the manufacturers, the FIA, the journalists. Maybe they are lying, but at least someone should say something that can be considered an argument.

By the way, the majority of fans in Greece does not want Acropolis in ERC. To my opinion, Acropolis in ERC means permanent death for it, as the financial damage will be so great that no Greek will want to organize it again.


let's hope we can have greece back alongside all of next year's calendar for 2015...
Very doubtful. Sweden is very unlikely that will be replaced by Greece. They are totally different events. There must be a snow event in the calendar, otherwise this is not WRC, it is shit. The same applies, of course, about roughness. WRC without a rough gravel event is not WRC. It is rather ridiculous even to use the term "rally championship" for it. And after the exclusion of Kenya, Turkey, Cyprus in its tough form and Greece, I am sorry to say this but this "rally championship" should rather be called "lengthy sprint championship".

[Zeakiwi]

Replace Sweden and Mexico with a snow/ice rally in Canada. http://youtu.be/QdsW0SkrCS0 (Rallye Perce-Neige Maniwaki )
Allow the WRC to have studded tyres and a clubman rally for the locals on their usual bald tyres.

Then the 'long distance' cars can be shipped onto Argentina in May , followed by a rally in South Africa near Durban late June where it is fairly warm all year round.

From South Africa ship the cars across to Australia for early September. Then ship the cars to a Chinese round in October.

If Sweden stays in, a gravel round in Canada a bit later e.g Rallye Baie des Chaleurs

[Franky]

On the contrary you just hear good things about the rally from the manufacturers, the FIA, the journalists. Maybe they are lying,...

PR and emotions.

Have they ever hated a rally?

[NxOxT]

The main thing is that they had 13 events to replace in favour of Poland and the weakest link was the acropolis...

what manufacturer value has a financially dead and rotten country for the next 10 years ?? if we want more manufacturers in the sport we need to provide them with a good market... you cannot make any profit by selling tradition and other romantic crap... it was a good choice.

[kober]

So, the agreement for Polish WRC round is for three years - great news!

[scn]

Have they ever hated a rally?
No, but they have many times spoken about bad points in a rally, including Acropolis some times.
This time everything was fine according to them. And except of the money issue, which by the way has been covered completely by the present organizer, nothing else was said.


what manufacturer value has a financially dead and rotten country for the next 10 years ?? if we want more manufacturers in the sport we need to provide them with a good market... you cannot make any profit by selling tradition and other romantic crap
Are you kidding? You mean to tell me that before the financial problems in Greece, this country was a significant market for the manufacturers and now it is not? Those years VW was selling only 15.000 cars per year and Ford even less. Munich alone was a more important market than Greece or Portugal or Cyprus. These are so small that nobody ever cared about them. Please find a better argument to support your obsession.

[br21]

So, the agreement for Polish WRC round is for three years - great news!

Yes, and you have to remember that this will be "multi-country event" as they call it. It means two days in Poland and one day in Lithuania. FIA was pushing organizers to do those multi-country events and those Polish ones agreed and I think that is also one of the reasons why Rally Poland will be in WRC in 2014.

[GF]

.....

what manufacturer value has a financially dead and rotten country for the next 10 years ?? if we want more manufacturers in the sport we need to provide them with a good market... you cannot make any profit by selling tradition and other romantic crap
Are you kidding? You mean to tell me that before the financial problems in Greece, this country was a significant market for the manufacturers and now it is not? Those years VW was selling only 15.000 cars per year and Ford even less. Munich alone was a more important market than Greece or Portugal or Cyprus. These are so small that nobody ever cared about them. Please find a better argument to support your obsession.

If the manufacturers interest for the direct effect in the markets should ask for rounds in States, China, India, Japan, Brazil etc. The benefit for them comes from worldwide TV, magazine and net coverage of spectacular and legendary events. Believe it or NOT, the hot cash was the only criterion for FIA.

[vino_93]

http://www.africatopsports.com/2013/10/ ... pour-2015/ (http://www.africatopsports.com/2013/10/02/championnat-du-monde-de-rallye-la-cote-divoire-candidate-pour-2015/)

Cote d'Ivoire wanna host a WRC round in 2015.
Even if it could not hapen, it would be great to see Bandana back in WRC :eek:

[Zeakiwi]

Ghana next door to Cote d'Ivoire has the oil money now, perhaps they could joint host an event with a run through the Tai Forest.
Certainly miss the raised suspensions and extra frontal protection of the 'Africa spec' cars.
I wonder how many taxis would need to enter to make up numbers.

[Eli]

they should first focus on bringing back the acropolis

[Motorsportfun]

They should first merge Deutschland with Alsace (France has "de-facto" two events in WRC, right now), giving Greece back its slot, then get on-board a Russian and Brazilian event, as both events could put fresh cash into the teams and the championship too.

All that IMHO.

[stefanvv]

They should first merge Deutschland with Alsace (France has "de-facto" two events in WRC, right now), giving Greece back its slot, then get on-board a Russian and Brazilian event, as both events could put fresh cash into the teams and the championship too.

All that IMHO.
Not bad idea for the merge

[er88]

French round can go or merge i agree- preferably go as france has the monte. This my dream calendar - that mixes important car markets wrc needs to visit and classic events. NB: I know this will never be the calendar its just a bit of fun :)
1. Monte- Tarmac/Snow
2. Sweden( one day in norway) - Snow
3. Mexico- Gravel
4. Brazil- Gravel
5. Argentina- Gravel
6. Italy(sanremo) - Tarmac
7.Spain(catalunya- full tarmac)- Tarmac
8.Portugal- Gravel
9.Greece( Acropolis)- Gravel
10. Finland- Gravel
11.Russia- Gravel
12. Germany- Tarmac
13. Japan- Tarmac
14. China- Gravel
15. New Zealand-Gravel
16. Australia- Gravel
17.Rally GB( Proper RAC style)

[lewalcindor]

I'd like to see them bring back the Kenyan Safari rally. Almost 10 hours of slowly driving through dusty gravel paths, glutinous mud, and deep waters. I'd imagine that the modern WRC cars would fare better than the old Group A and Group B cars in terms of reliability.

[Mirek]

It was by far the most expensive event of all. Teams had special cars built solely for Safari and every factory crew had its own helicopter. It was also very dangerous event for everybody involved. The roads were not closed for public traffic for example and the safety of crews wasn't good either (especially of those without their own helicopter). It was nice adventure but especially in this case I don't think it's good to bring back all what was once nice. There is enough marathon events with similar nature.

[lewalcindor]

It was by far the most expensive event of all. Teams had special cars built solely for Safari and every factory crew had its own helicopter. It was also very dangerous event for everybody involved. The roads were not closed for public traffic for example and the safety of crews wasn't good either (especially of those without their own helicopter). It was nice adventure but especially in this case I don't think it's good to bring back all what was once nice. There is enough marathon events with similar nature.

Indeed, but it would still be nice to have an event that has the terrain and features that the Safari had. It would give the drivers another type of surface to master, especially if we're to believe WRC drivers are masters of all driving surfaces.

That said, it wouldn't be the equalizer event that it was in the old Group B days because all WRC events seem to wrap up in the 3-5 hour range, and modern WRC cars never seem to break down. Even the modern Safari in the ARC only takes about 3 hours to complete. Back then, the Safari took 10 hours, and the more powerful but less reliable Group B cars would all invariably break down somewhere in the middle, while the less powerful 2WD Group B or even Group 4 cars would trundle along and finish the event intact. Ari Vatanen noted that he won the 1983 Safari in his Opel Ascona because he drove slowly enough to prevent the Ascona's rear axle from breaking (he also claimed his slow approach caught the eye of Jean Todt, who was expecting Vatanen to go flat out as Vatanen usually did).

[Mirek]

On the other hand Eurosport tried to bring Safari in such reduced form back with the IRC but there was no interest from European teams to go. While there were events which managed to shine in IRC Safari was abandoned when nobody from regulars entered the second edition...

[Prisoner Monkeys]

I'm still of the belief that rallies should be considered on the basis of their individual character, as well as the desires of manufacturers.

For instance, I think the championship desperately needs another snow event (or possibly two - it doesn't always snow on the Monte). Perhaps the WRC could steal the Janner Rallye or Sibiu Rally Romania from the WRC. Or go back to Japan, but relocate to somewhere like Nagano. South Korea might be a possibility, but if the Formula 1 Grand Prix was anything to go by, they'll have a tough time getting spectators. Somewhere in Russia or the Rocky Mountains might also be a possibility.

I also think a tropical rally is needed - somewhere hot and humid. Brazil, Malaysia and India all stand out as possible locations for such an event.

I wouldn't mind going back to Jordan, either. I know it was unpopular, but it had a unique surface and hot desert conditions which brought its own challenges.

And it might be worth looking at a high-altitude rally. When Formula 1 went to Mexico City, one of the big challenges the teams faced was that the thinner air at high altitude made it tougher on turbocharged engines.

[Mirek]

And it might be worth looking at a high-altitude rally. When Formula 1 went to Mexico City, one of the big challenges the teams faced was that the thinner air at high altitude made it tougher on turbocharged engines.

Sorry but Mexico and Argentina are both in the championship for years...

Please don't create confusion - the high altitude is much worse for naturally aspirated engines than for turbocharged ones. You know that supercharging (or turbocharging) was invented in 1920' for use in aircraft engines?

[lewalcindor]

On the other hand Eurosport tried to bring Safari in such reduced form back with the IRC but there was no interest from European teams to go. While there were events which managed to shine in IRC Safari was abandoned when nobody from regulars entered the second edition...

Yeah, it is an event that you have to sort of force teams to go to because of the expensive and unpredictable nature of the Safari. If there are no championship points involved in the Safari, or if one team has been so dominant all year and feels no reason to spend any money or effort to get points at the Safari (as Lancia did in the late 80's/early 90's when Toyota was still sorting out the Celica), then they won't feel compelled to go.

[Prisoner Monkeys]

Perhaps it would be possible to bring the Safari back, but structure it as a conventional rally. No, it's not the same thing as the Safari, and maybe it shouldn't even have the Safari name, but it's better than nothing.

[Eli]

are brazil and china still candidate rallies for next year?

[PLuto]

It is not important. You dont need to be candidate event to be next year in WRC. Everything is only about money and politics.

[Prisoner Monkeys]

are brazil and china still candidate rallies for next year?
As far as I am aware, the FIA were only looking to add one rally to the calendar, which they now have.

[jparker]

I don't know what rally they should add, but I know which one would love to see changed or gone. Germany.
That's the most boring rally ever. They have to move it somewhere else, or remove it from WRC calendar.

[AndyRAC]

No chance of Germany being removed; the most important car market in Europe.

Acropolis, Corsica both in the ERC, but should be in any WRC season, as should Sanremo & NZ.

But this is old news......

[Eli]

Yes and they really should bring back Safari.

[NaBUru38]

No chance of Germany being removed; the most important car market in Europe.

Acropolis, Corsica both in the ERC, but should be in any WRC season, as should Sanremo.


why does France have essentially 2 rounds? All of Monte Carlo's stages are in France, and the start is in Valence. I understand Corsica had great historical value for the WRC but Alsace I'm not a fan of.

That's why I propose two merged rallyes; Corsica-Sardinia and Alsace-Trier.

[Plan9]

Swap the Coffs harbor event with Auckland. Having been to both over consecutive years I can honestly say I enjoyed the NZ roads much more as a spectator and I also found that Auckland offered a better rally HQ than Coffs Harbor, which is quite a small town by comparison. But then, I would write this as I am a Kiwi.

Failing that, I do not see why we cannot have a round in the Middle East (Qatar or Abu Dhabi etc)? They have spent a lot of money on rally as it is.

On the current calendar system: If the WRC organizers and teams would agree to have more rounds per season I think it would reduce the need to rotate events and hopefully provide more stability.

[litifeta]

As an Australian, I agree with Plan9. NZ is a much better rally than Coffs Harbour. It is also a rally international drivers love, the roads and cambers are amazing.

I do however think Japan and a Middle East rally should return.

The Middle East because of the money they spend in WRC, and those Jordan rallies really excite me. And Japan in the hope of getting their manufacturers back, and I love their rally roads.

[Franky]

That's why I propose two merged rallyes; Corsica-Sardinia and Alsace-Trier.

By looking at the map, it might seem a good idea. But when you look closer it seems far fetched because the stages are just too far apart from either of the HQs.

Corsica and Sardinia at first are completely different rallies. Also from a logistical point of view it's a nightmare - transportation of service park, cars and all the fans needing loads of ferry crossings.

[Mintexmemory]

Agree either Alsace or Germany should be replaced - you've seen one vinyard shot,you've seen em all!
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3669/10319258843_9d79432509_z.jpg
If we are talking mergers then extending Ypres across to the Nord region in France for a day would create a unique event.

Jordan is out until there is stability in Syria (don't hold your breath) and as for a ME round there are security issues that F1 events at a closed entry circuit doesn't have to deal with.

[Mirek]

In my opinion Ypres has enough good stages on Belgian side. It's also very compact event for which some large spreading into France would make it more time consuming. Remember it used to be called 24 hours of Ypres and I think the whole event still keeps only little over 24 hours despite being the longest ERC rally (WRC event millage in 2014).

[Mintexmemory]

In my opinion Ypres has enough good stages on Belgian side. It's also very compact event for which some large spreading into France would make it more time consuming. Remember it used to be called 24 hours of Ypres and I think the whole event still keeps only little over 24 hours despite being the longest ERC rally (WRC event millage in 2014).


Ypres already has a stage in France at Lille and the French Champioship Routes Nord stages are only 10-20 km south of Lille. You could have extra stage mileage with minimal liaison and still keep the character of the original event

[A FONDO]

As an Australian, I agree with Plan9. NZ is a much better rally than Coffs Harbour. It is also a rally international drivers love, the roads and cambers are amazing.

I do however think Japan and a Middle East rally should return.

The Middle East because of the money they spend in WRC, and those Jordan rallies really excite me. And Japan in the hope of getting their manufacturers back, and I love their rally roads.
Australia has always been a unique event that I loved and (according to stages) it goes better and better every year. NZ is a strange version of Finland for me, worse in every aspect.

[Eli]

they really should replace Alsace and bring back Corsica instead. if you want vineyards their is already Rallye Deutschland for that.

[Barreis]

they really should replace Alsace and bring back Corsica instead. if you want vineyards their is already Rallye Deutschland for that.
True.

[vino_93]

In my opinion Ypres has enough good stages on Belgian side. It's also very compact event for which some large spreading into France would make it more time consuming. Remember it used to be called 24 hours of Ypres and I think the whole event still keeps only little over 24 hours despite being the longest ERC rally (WRC event millage in 2014).


Ypres already has a stage in France at Lille and the French Champioship Routes Nord stages are only 10-20 km south of Lille. You could have extra stage mileage with minimal liaison and still keep the character of the original event

Route du Nord isn't part of French Championship, and stages are north of Lille :)
But yes Ypres had some stages in North of France: Lille-Eurométropole and Show Wasquehal.

Stage of Heuvelland crossed the border, and its close to Armentières, the city of Routes du Nord. This rally is just stuck to the border, but in french part.

Of course you could create a big belgo-french event there ... But Ypres is Ypres, keep it as it is.

[Mintexmemory]

Wouldn't you want a WRC event in Flanders? I would - so much nearer to London than WRGB! Apologies for my lack of French championship knowledge but at least my geography was only partially wrong as last time I looked Les Weppes were south of Lille ;)

[christy]

Donegal or Killarney rallies in Ireland ,tarmac

[GigiGalliNo1]

NZ over Australia any day! NZ holds it better!

Middle East? They've given the sport so much they are entitled to a WRC round! Two even!

[Eli]

Cyprus & Jordan for the middle east.

[mousti]

Wouldn't you want a WRC event in Flanders? I would - so much nearer to London than WRGB! Apologies for my lack of French championship knowledge but at least my geography was only partially wrong as last time I looked Les Weppes were south of Lille ;)
10 years ago they tried several times to be in the WRC, but they finally decided to not go after it anymore because it's too expensive..

[Zeakiwi]

On Day 2 of the 100 Acre Wood Rally, 3 stages have been cancelled so far because emergency crews were attending a non-event related auto accident.
I know there has been medical personnel in the tv helicopter at some WRC events.
Is there a specialist WRC rescue crew that can work with local crews on an upskill training basis? Might the WRC go only to countries where a wrc rescue crew can legally operate independently or with local rescue crews ? Local crews usually cut roof pillars etc and not roll cages.

[Mirek]

I don't know how in other countries but here in CZ there were special trainings of local rescue crews in cutting roll cages, taking out injured crews equipped with HANS and all other stuff needed for use in rallying. I believe many foreigners took part in the training as well. It used to be held in Zlín and organized by Barum rally organizers together with Vladimír Barvík who is both rally driver and medical emergency driver. Local rally teams gave organizers some crashed bodyshells (Vojt?ch Štajf for example) or allowed to use their rally cars for training. Here I found few photos from such event held in 2009: http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=8582

Normally medical service here is held by local crews contracted by the organization. If there is a non-rally related emergency the rally medical system may be used when the patient is located in a place which is blocked by a stage or when the rally emergency crew is located close to him and can therefore faster safe his life. From time to time it happens that a stage is canceled because of that but it is rare.

[Eli]

if Acropolis returns to the WRC calendar it should use a mixed format, seems it worked well this weekend.