ERC Calendar 2015

[J4MIE]

I assume this hasn't been announced yet?

Any news or rumours?? :)

[Mirek]

So far we only know that the calendar is reduced to 10 events (possibly no division to the two half-seasons anymore) and that the first event is Jänner rally in early January.

[liposh]

There will be some meeting of ERC officials on 26th September,right? So maybe we will know more then ;-) I have also heard rumours Cyprus will be out next year.

[nafpaktos]

We are not in wrc calendar at least i hope for erc,acropolis is an iconic event that will help erc to be more prestigious.

[Mirek]

But I would prefer it to go back to the all-gravel format (or true mixed event like Cyprus). This years first asphalt leg was somewhat strange for me.

[sindroms]

So far we only know that the calendar is reduced to 10 events (possibly no division to the two half-seasons anymore) and that the first event is Jänner rally in early January.

Rally Liepāja will be there for sure (organisers have three-year contract with Eurosport Events), no dates annonced yet.

[Eli]

is it true, no Rally Cyprus next year?

[RICARDO75]

SATA Rallye Açores will be on the calendar in 2015 and 2016, the correct date is not known but it will hardly be in April or May

[nafpaktos]

But I would prefer it to go back to the all-gravel format (or true mixed event like Cyprus). This years first asphalt leg was somewhat strange for me.

Unfortunatelly this happened because the organisers needed the fees from the local drivers in order to be the rally sustainable.if the the event was two day on gravel(which means high costs) it would be difficult for the organisers to attract local crews.this year the day one had TOTALLY different drivers from the day two.eurosport didint want that format but it was necessary.

[J4MIE]

I hope Azores will be in May, which should mean I can visit :)

[PLuto]

Next year there will be 10 events, season will not be divided into two halfs. Only confirmed events are first three - Janner, Liepaja and Acores.

[Fran2013]

And again the same thing about the rally of the Azores..... year after year

But then again the problem is the number of events....... yeah right !!!

Another rally, another unknown winner

Great ERC...Well done

[RICARDO75]

I hope Azores will be in May, which should mean I can visit :)

Rally of Portugal will be on May 24. It's not possible to have both rallies on the same month.
This has been confirmed by the organization that will not be in April or in May

[Mirek]

And again the same thing about the rally of the Azores..... year after year

But then again the problem is the number of events....... yeah right !!!

Another rally, another unknown winner

Great ERC...Well done

I don't understand what You mean. Rally Acores had decent entry compared to many other ERC events and the IRC/ERC winners are well known from world stages (Sousa, Kopecký, Mikkelsen, Hänninen, Magalhaes and Meeke) so what's Your point? Besides that Acores have stunning scenery like no other event in the calendar.

[Mihai]

Hopefully there will be no more bogus rounds from Eastern Europe destined to be rescheduled before cancellation.

[Franky]

In today's Estonian newspaper Postimees there's an article - http://sport.postimees.ee/2933399/rally-estonia-30-000-fanni-ja-miljonid

Mostly it talks about the effect the event had on economy, but there's one sentence where they say that ERC has offered Rally Estonia a 3 year deal. Aava says that they need confirmation from main finance sources before they sign the deal.

[RS]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/116027

[tommeke_B]

I really don't get why a completely unproven event/organisation gets it's place while other nice events are probably going to lose it...

[AndyRAC]

Any event organised by Colin Heppenstall will be a success. Providing it can get £££$$$£££ backing....

[makinen_fan]

And the timing is not the best if it kept as it is. 2 weeks before WRGB means fans in UK or coming from abroad will either go to one of these two... doesn't make sense to me

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Cycling Tour de Yorkshire confirmed... Now Rally Yorkshire on the ERC.. Great news !!

[liposh]

I think it was very difficult for Eurosport to reject it because organizers have got those well-known yorkshire blood-loving beasts on their side. ...The only thing worse than piranhas.

[PLuto]

That is nice to have event of ERC in a country, which doesnt have national championship in next season...

[Jarek Z]

That is nice to have event of ERC in a country, which doesnt have national championship in next season...

Another idiotic decision and another British failure in the ERC, just like this year's Circuit of Ireland?

[liposh]

That is nice to have event of ERC in a country, which doesnt have national championship in next season...

And then You can hear from Ribeiro, that it is in fact fault of Barum organizers that Janner won´t be in Czech championship next year and it makes him angry (i can´t find that article, but you remember it) ...as I said before, he has to be scared of Yorkshire terriers or total idiot.

[WRC1]

completly useless decision...according to my sources ;) greece and cyprus will loose theire ERC status...so we loose all the gravel rallyes with dust, sun, rocks...nice pictures...and instead get dark forrests with mud...idiotic, nothing more to say

[AndyRAC]

And the timing is not the best if it kept as it is. 2 weeks before WRGB means fans in UK or coming from abroad will either go to one of these two... doesn't make sense to me


It seems it will be soon after both the Trackrod and Malton Forest events; I originally thought that the Trackrod would be the ERC event; it seems as though they’re creating a new event, as they did with IRC Rally Scotland.

One hopes that it will be supported by British Rallying – but there aren’t many R5 cars in the UK; like the old Scottish IRC event, UK entries could be low.

[PLuto]

It seems it will be soon after both the Trackrod and Malton Forest events; I originally thought that the Trackrod would be the ERC event; it seems as though they’re creating a new event, as they did with IRC Rally Scotland.

One hopes that it will be supported by British Rallying – but there aren’t many R5 cars in the UK; like the old Scottish IRC event, UK entries could be low.

So in this case there is one question - why to have another ERC event on island (I mean UK and Ireland together)?

[PLuto]

To say the truth, I am not happy with another event in this distance. I will prefer more events more in the center of the Europe (for example Italy, Germany, french mainland, maybe Slovenia) - events which are not so far for most of the teams.

Lets look at calendar - there are events, which are really too far for teams from Portugal/UK/Belgium/France (but for example for czech teams it is also way for two days) (Latvia, Estonia). Then there are events, which are really to far for team from Czech/Poland/Baltic countries (Ireland, Yorkshire ; and you must use ferry). Then there are events, which are famous, but you must use a ferry and they costs lot of money and also time (Acropolis, Acores, Cyprus, Corse). And the rest? Only four "quite normal" events in European mainland - Janner, Ypres, Barum and Valais (Janner and Valais are quite more expensive due to the weather conditions, additionally Janner has bad date almost every year).

[WRC1]

To say the truth, I am not happy with another event in this distance. I will prefer more events more in the center of the Europe (for example Italy, Germany, french mainland, maybe Slovenia) - events which are not so far for most of the teams.

Lets look at calendar - there are events, which are really too far for teams from Portugal/UK/Belgium/France (but for example for czech teams it is also way for two days) (Latvia, Estonia). Then there are events, which are really to far for team from Czech/Poland/Baltic countries (Ireland, Yorkshire ; and you must use ferry). Then there are events, which are famous, but you must use a ferry and they costs lot of money and also time (Acropolis, Acores, Cyprus, Corse). And the rest? Only four "quite normal" events in European mainland - Janner, Ypres, Barum and Valais (Janner and Valais are quite more expensive due to the weather conditions, additionally Janner has bad date almost every year).

99% agree with all what you say, only the discussion about jänner rally date... :)

there are so many nice rallyes in europe, veszprem rally, rally san marino, croatia rally, san remo, antibes, lausitz...these are all existing events...no new rallyes just for ERC, we have seen this year in ireland what is the result...almost no national entries, low number of international entries...i am against a 2nd rally in UK!!!

[Mirek]

Ireland was not a new event just for ERC. It was the third oldest rally in the world where national Irish championship run along the ERC competitors.

[Jarek Z]

Ireland was not a new event just for ERC. It was the third oldest rally in the world where national Irish championship run along the ERC competitors.

Nevertheless it was a disaster when it comes to entry list, competition, excitement and interest from locals. Who wants to repeat the same mistake?

[PLuto]

I am afraid, that with some ERC regulations there will be more separated fields next year...

[er88]

Even though im in the UK (well Scotland) it is absolutely ridiculous us getting a new event. We simple don't deserve it because the rallying scene is poor and the organisers are even more inept.

The Rally of Scotland, that was in the IRC a few years ago, was one of the best events in Europe in terms of stages and scenery ( Teams, drivers and spectators words) but it was killed by lack of interest, exposure and entries. It should have been part of the British Rally Championship at the time, with the Scottish rally that runs on the same Perthshire stages (Colin McRae forest stages rally) being the "national B" rally that ran on the back of the IRC rally.

Yet the organisers, for whatever reason, couldnt make this happen and the event died completely. Now this proposed Yorkshire rally is making the same mistake...why they're creating a totally new rally is beyond me. They won't attract the entries to make it work long term, imo. With other rallies around the same area surely the organisers could have taken note of what happened to Scotlands "stand alone" event. It would also be farcical if the event is around the same time of year as the WRC round in wales, surely it should take place earlier in the year...

Anyway, Ribeiro thinking the UK should have two events in the ten round championship is even more strange. One is enough. Shame greece and cyprus both seem to be out.

I hope im wrong and Yorkshire can make a great success of this event, but im 90% sure the new event will run for two- three years before being scrapped. I will certainly be attending regardless, so maybe i should be happy about another international rally being in the UK, but id rather things were done right - and it just seems like nobody is learning from past mistakes!

[Jarek Z]

Thank you for your wise words, er88. It's good to know the opinion of someone from the UK.

[stefanvv]

Thank you for your kind and wise words, er88. It's good to know the opinion of someone from the UK.

That's little better

[stefanvv]

Imo they do it because there is lack of proper muddy event in the calendar

[Eli]

http://www.worldrallyblog.com/2014/09/27/world-of-rally/rally-estonia-working-accept-3-year-erc-deal/

[dodge33cymru]

Just got back from this year's Rally Yorkshire: had a really good day today, with both the local modern machines and the historics out. Had a narrow run-in with an Impreza well off the road for a few hundred metres nearly taking out my bag whilst I was stageside..... Will dig out some photos later.

I concur that it doesn't 'deserve' the event per se, but as we see in all continental championships these days, they will go where the money is.

One reason I would be hopeful is it seems to be following the profile of the way the area organised the Tour de France, which was a huge local success (I live in Harrogate, which may become the 'hub' town next year and was the end of TdF Stage 1 this year).

With that event, Yorkshire dropped out of the national British tour to focus on its own organisation of the international event and reaped the rewards a year later. This isn't quite the same scale, but similar approach, dropping out of the national championship and putting their efforts into the ERC for 2015.

Wouldn't surprise me if they're trying to build the event up in case of Wales' tourist board dropping funding for the WRC round in a couple of years (just speculating here, no fact in that).

Either way, I hope it'll be a success. Maybe I've been influenced by the weather, but this year's event seemed better than last year's (base was moved into a town nearer the forest and stages/services could be reached easier). The main problem that they need to overcome is woefully bad communication and appearance by the organisers. This year, I had to email them to ask which stages they were running and where we could spectate.

In summary, I agree that it isn't a 'deserved' event, and I would much rather prioritise the traditional events over this one. However, as a local, I'm really excited if this is true and can't wait to see the ERC (I was in Ypres this year, loved the cars) on what has the potentially to be a great rally.

[RS]

http://www.worldrallyblog.com/2014/09/27/world-of-rally/rally-estonia-working-accept-3-year-erc-deal/

Interesting.. Rally Finland gets less spectators than Barum.

[the sniper]

The Rally of Scotland, that was in the IRC a few years ago, was one of the best events in Europe in terms of stages and scenery ( Teams, drivers and spectators words) but it was killed by lack of interest, exposure and entries. It should have been part of the British Rally Championship at the time, with the Scottish rally that runs on the same Perthshire stages (Colin McRae forest stages rally) being the "national B" rally that ran on the back of the IRC rally.

Yet the organisers, for whatever reason, couldnt make this happen and the event died completely. Now this proposed Yorkshire rally is making the same mistake...why they're creating a totally new rally is beyond me. They won't attract the entries to make it work long term, imo. With other rallies around the same area surely the organisers could have taken note of what happened to Scotlands "stand alone" event. It would also be farcical if the event is around the same time of year as the WRC round in wales, surely it should take place earlier in the year...

I think the main reason to be hopeful for this event is that Colin Heppenstall is behind it. I don't have much knowledge of him but he's also the manager of the RAC (Roger Albert Clark) Rally and RAC Championship. The RAC Rally is probably one of the best regarded national rallies in the UK, it's also one of the few British rallies with respectably long competitive mileage (300km this year) and an interesting itinerary. Now, that rally and championship are centred on historics, which are 'very' (relatively) popular here. Whether he can replicate the success of his RAC event on this Rally Yorkshire may well be hindered by the state of the wider modern rally scene in Britain. Only time will tell, but I wish him the best of luck. I'm sure he'll come up with a good event, whether I attend will probably be dependant upon the strength of the ERC next year.

Personally I don't think the failure of Rally Scotland can be used against this event, as that was organised by the MSA, who have a proven bad record when it comes to rallying. In the same years they were going nowhere with Rally Scotland, they were still allowing Rally GB to die a slow death and overseeing the beginning of the end of the British Championship...

[Mirek]

Interesting.. Rally Finland gets less spectators than Barum.

It depends how You count the people. Personally I think that Finland has more spectators than Barum (I've been to both).

[J4MIE]

From what I heard at the weekend, the new Yorkshire event will include the RAC Rally (historic event) and there is also the Malton Forest Rally which usually runs that same weekend.

How it all works with the ERC rules I don't know but will definitely have to stay as seperate events.

[AndyRAC]

That's interesting - Sunderland were hoping for a ERC round; so I was surprised when the R.A.C went there - which leaves a gap in Yorkshire for an event. Which is what has happened. I always thought any possible Yorkshire ERC round would be the Trackrod. However, I do have concerns about the entry; especially the lack of R5's in the UK. Who will support the event?

[Jack4688`]

I'd be surprised if that happened unless Sunderland remained involved somehow. This year is the first year of Sunderland's hosting of R.A.C. Rally so for them to leave after just one year would be odd. Also can't see a well established end of season event like the R.A.C. moving about a month earlier.

With this year's R.A.C. moving to a more Kielder-centric route and this new event running in the North York Moors it would also seem odd to either a) combine them again into one event or b) leave Sunderland and Kielder behind.

I'd like to see the aforementioned Malton Forest and Trackrod rallies supporting this event. Although moving the Trackrod Rally to October would have an effect on the national rallying calendar as it would presumably be only 1 or 2 weeks after the Cambrian Rally.

Let's hope for the sake of British rallying all the loose ends are tied up!

[Jarek Z]

Is it true that the calendar is going to be published this week?

[PLuto]

Eurosport wanted to publish the calendar at the end of September.

[Ralph-Mario]

Eurosport wanted to publish the calendar at the end of September.

??

[PLuto]

??

Eurosport wanted to publish the calendar at the end of September. :)

[stefanvv]

Eurosport wanted to publish the calendar at the end of September. :)

Ok, ok. The calendar is WANTED:D

[Ralph-Mario]

Eurosport wanted to publish the calendar at the end of September. :)

And why it has not made ​​Eurosport? Thx.

[PLuto]

Ask them. I am afraid there are only two possibilities:

a) some of the events are still not signed yet
b) they are waiting for next FIA commission, because they dont want show at least draft calendar before approved from FIA

[liposh]

Pluto, is Barum rally signed yet? You can answer such question, it isn´t any secret. Many of the events revealed they have signed contract.

[RS]

Ypres, Valais and Corsica are all in then.. all good news.

[PLuto]

Pluto, is Barum rally signed yet? You can answer such question, it isn´t any secret. Many of the events revealed they have signed contract.

Sorry, I cannot give an answer yet...

[Jack4688`]

Ypres, Valais and Corsica are all in then.. all good news.

Will Tour de Corse be in November again?

[Co-driven]

I read somewhere that for next year Rally de France could go back to Corsica (sorry, I don't remember the source).

Could that be true or just a silly rumour?

[PLuto]

I read somewhere that for next year Rally de France could go back to Corsica (sorry, I don't remember the source).

Could that be true or just a silly rumour?

I think this is only wish of most of rally fans (and teams, drivers, journalists...).

[dodge33cymru]

If they turn it into a one stage shootout, I'm not sure I agree with you. I'd rather it stayed as a proper rally.

[Reis Eduardo]

Next year there will be 10 events, season will not be divided into two halfs. Only confirmed events are first three - Janner, Liepaja and Acores.

Janner, Liepaja and Acores, are only confirmed, or are the first three events of the ERC in 2015?

[rallyfiend]

Eurosport clearly having a lot of problems with their calendar.

Difficulty to get money from the Organisers?

[scn]

Eurosport clearly having a lot of problems with their calendar.

Difficulty to get money from the Organisers?

One issue related to the delay is the money to be given from the Greek government for the 2014 and 2015 rally Acropolis. Although the amount is approved by the government officials, there is a beaurocratic delay (very, very common in this country) and, of course, promoter does not want to risk again. If the whole amount is not given in due time, then Acropolis will be out.

[Reis Eduardo]

When the schedule will be announced ERC 2015?

[dodge33cymru]

That's the big question. They're leaving it veeery late, being nearly two months before the first round.

[PLuto]

When the schedule will be announced ERC 2015?

Next week during Tour de Corse...

[RICARDO75]

My guess for next year:

JAN - Int. Jännerrallye
FEB - Rally Liepāja
APR - Circuit of Ireland Rally
MAY - SATA Rallye Açores
JUN - Geko Ypres Rally
JUL - auto24 Rally Estonia
AUG - Barum Czech Rally Zlín
SEP - Yorkshire Rally
OCT - Rallye International du Valais
NOV - Tour de Corse

[AndyRAC]

Here’s a hypothetical query. What would the calendar be if it was purely down to the best 10 events. Not who had the money.

[PLuto]

My guess for next year:

JAN - Int. Jännerrallye
FEB - Rally Liepāja
APR - Circuit of Ireland Rally
MAY - SATA Rallye Açores
JUN - Geko Ypres Rally
JUL - auto24 Rally Estonia
AUG - Barum Czech Rally Zlín
SEP - Yorkshire Rally
OCT - Rallye International du Valais
NOV - Tour de Corse

I think you are very close to reality.

[liposh]

Funny is that Yorkshire wanted term two weeks before Wales WRC round, but Valais is confirmed for same week as this year, so it won´t happen for Yorkshire...

[PLuto]

You cannot have all the time you wanted. For example we at Barum are trying to push to Rallye Deutschland to move their event to different date but they dont want ;)

[polo10]

Don t think that Azores will be in May, Rali Portugal will be in May...

[RICARDO75]

I have doubt on Yorkshire Rally and if the rumors about the Barum were true, I believe it would be replaced by Bohemia but I think Barum will be in. I don't see the Czech Republic without a rally in ERC. The date from Rally of Portugal is creating problems with the Rallye Azores but, I think the best date would be in the first weekend of May, or alternatively, in September. Also, the biggest problem in the Rallye Azores to be on the first weekend of May is able to match with some cruise.

[polo10]

I have doubt on Yorkshire Rally and if the rumors about the Barum were true, I believe it would be replaced by Bohemia but I think Barum will be in. I don't see the Czech Republic without a rally in ERC. The date from Rally of Portugal is creating problems with the Rallye Azores but, I think the best date would be in the first weekend of May, or alternatively, in September. Also, the biggest problem in the Rallye Azores to be on the first weekend of May is able to match with some cruise.
Two rumours that i heard, first that Azores will be in March or April and second one that probably it can be like old times in July...Do you heard something about it?

[dodge33cymru]

If Yorkshire does happen and is September, that makes more sense as it would be combined with the existing Trackrod Rally which has a good entry.

Good thing Valais is a week after WRC Spain next year, no reason for a clash.

[RICARDO75]

Two rumours that i heard, first that Azores will be in March or April and second one that probably it can be like old times in July...Do you heard something about it?

Initially I was told that it would be difficult to take place in April or May, due to the proximity to Rally of Portugal and for being the season of cruises.
If it's in March may be a disaster due to the weather instability and if it turns out this month, I only see the possibility of Corsica back in May because there would be a large gap between Ireland and Belgium.
With the Rally in Estonia in July, I don't see any chance of the Azores Rally this month (Unless Estonia realised in may). If it is not in March and if it was possible to choose between March and September, I preferred September.

[AndyRAC]

Having Portugal and Acores close together makes no sense. Keep Portugal in March, and move Acores to the autumn. Similarly, Corsica should be in May; away from Alsace in October. As for Rally Yorkshire, it seems to have gone quiet.

[polo10]

Having Portugal and Acores close together makes no sense. Keep Portugal in March, and move Acores to the autumn. Similarly, Corsica should be in May; away from Alsace in October. As for Rally Yorkshire, it seems to have gone quiet.

Rali Of Portugal is in May for sure...

[Reis Eduardo]

The Rally Azores in March may be because there is a possibility between 12 and 23 March did not scale cruises this is my bet

[RICARDO75]

Having Portugal and Acores close together makes no sense. Keep Portugal in March, and move Acores to the autumn. Similarly, Corsica should be in May; away from Alsace in October. As for Rally Yorkshire, it seems to have gone quiet.

Already happened in 2012, with less than 30 days apart. Azores in late February and Portugal at the end of March.

[liposh]

Pluto, what about now? Is it better time to confirm Barum in ERC 2015? :-D Still have no idea why it is so secret.

[RICARDO75]

The Rally Azores in March may be because there is a possibility between 12 and 23 March did not scale cruises this is my bet

To close to Circuit of Ireland. Not possible

If Rally Estonia change the rally for may, there is a possibility of Rally Azores in 16-18 July

[Franky]

To close to Circuit of Ireland. Not possible

If Rally Estonia change the rally for may, there is a possibility of Rally Azores in 16-18 July

Highly doubtable that Rally Estonia would change to spring.

[RICARDO75]

Highly doubtable that Rally Estonia would change to spring.

Yes of course. And the Azores Rally is always as ping pong ball in the calendar...

As does your sentence: "Never stop dreaming because one day it might happen." :)

[Fran2013]

To close to Circuit of Ireland. Not possible

If Rally Estonia change the rally for may, there is a possibility of Rally Azores in 16-18 July

July ? Not enough Hotel capacity....and if Ryanair & Easyjet start flying from April it would be even worst...March is very likely. Low season

[RICARDO75]

July ? Not enough Hotel capacity....and if Ryanair & Easyjet start flying from April it would be even worst...March is very likely. Low season

By this point, you're right. The latest information I got , everything indicates that it may be in April

[Luis Pacheco]

Azores will be in March, no doubts.

From 14 to 23 March is the time available, taking into account the scales of cruises. Entire month of April is complete.

[harriswrc]

Acropolis Rally organisers (Greek government most likely) just paid last year fees to Eurosport so they are waiting to include the Rally at ERC 2015 calendar. Maybe on September?

[WRC1]

Acropolis Rally organisers (Greek government most likely) just paid last year fees to Eurosport so they are waiting to include the Rally at ERC 2015 calendar. Maybe on September?

Very good news!! i hope they will be in ERC 2015!! fingers crossed!

[liposh]

Very good news!! i hope they will be in ERC 2015!! fingers crossed!

I don´t know whether it is good news. I have got strange feeling. When you count it there are 11 events for 10 spots. Either Barum is out or Yorkshire won´t be in ERC 2015. Or maybe Tour de Corse out. In such case I would be happier to "throw economically unstable Rally Acropolis into the sea" (you know what I mean)

[WRC1]

for the championship it would be a big loss if acropolis leaves, with cyprus out there would be no more "hard gravel-dust-sunshine" races anymore....instead we have 6 tarmac races...sure, every of them is unique in its own way, but it is tarmac...(you know what i mean)

for me personally, even if it is a bit unfair i would prefer greece in front of yorkshire any day! yorkshire, in late october....dark-mud-wet is not my favorit ;)

[polo10]

Azores will be in March, no doubts.

From 14 to 23 March is the time available, taking into account the scales of cruises. Entire month of April is complete.
June i think...

[EstWRC]

Rally Estonia is 17.07.2015 - 19.07.2015 :)

[sindroms]

ERC 2015 provisional calendar:
Round 1: Jännerrallye (Austria, asphalt/ice/snow): 4-6 January 2015
Round 2: Rally Liepāja (Latvia, gravel/ice/snow): 6-8 February 2015 (J)
Round 3: Circuit of Ireland Rally (Northern Ireland, asphalt): 2-4 April 2015 (J)
Round 4: SATA Rallye Açores (Portugal, gravel): 4-6 June 2015 (J)
Round 5: Geko Ypres Rally (Belgium, asphalt): 25-27 June 2015 (J)
Round 6: auto24 Rally Estonia (gravel): 17-19 July 2015 (J)*
Round 7: Barum Czech Rally Zlín (Czech Republic, asphalt): 28-30 August 2015 (J)
Round 8: Cyprus Rally (gravel): 25-27 September 2015
Round 9: Rally of Greece (gravel): 9-11 October 2015*
Round 10: Giru di Corsica-Tour de Corse (France, asphalt): 5-7 November 2015

(J) Indicates FIA ERC Junior Championship round
*Subject to signing of ERC Promoter agreement

http://irallylive.com/ir_news.htm?00007646

[EightGear]

No Yorkshire.

No Valais either. :/

[polo10]

June i think...
I told you Luis Pacheco...

[WUff1]

Big suprise about Valais not in being in the calendar, and Cyprus being in?? Why?

[Luis Pacheco]

Azores in June Is a surprise for me taking into account the beginning of the high season.

[Mirek]

Pity of Valais. I would prefer Cyprus to be out. Not that it would be a bad rally but it's quite far and also the mix of rules with MERC isn't ideal.

[polo10]

Azores in June Is a surprise for me taking into account the beginning of the high season.
The surprise is also bigger beacuse is just 15 days after Rali Portugal

[rallyfiend]

'Rally of Greece', not Acropolis RAlly?

Clearly there's big issues in Greece. Different Organiser?

[Mirek]

The surprise is also bigger beacuse is just 15 days after Rali Portugal

From Your experience... is it possible for competitors to do both events in two weeks?

[polo10]

From Your experience... is it possible for competitors to do both events in two weeks?
Yes, it was like that one year (2013) but only 3 drivers done both rallys, but you have 3 days to rebuild the car and if something wrong happen you miss the Rally...so i don t understand this calênder, let´s see if the 2 rallys will count for National Championship, if they do, it is unacceptable this dates

[RS]

Disappointed about Valais.

Other than that, not bad. A good, proper split between gravel and asphalt.

[arnmar4]

WHO IS VALAIS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Is this the final calendar ?????

[SVrally]

WHO IS VALAIS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Is this the final calendar ?????
This is provisional , but I don't think that Valais will be in the Final Calendar .

[dodge33cymru]

Urgh, no Valais. Makes my inability to get there this year all the more galling.

Is it wrong to hope the Greek round can't go ahead and Switzerland will be a replacement?

[SVrally]

For the second consecutive year there aren't Italian rallies :( :(

[rallyfiend]

Urgh, no Valais. Makes my inability to get there this year all the more galling.

Is it wrong to hope the Greek round can't go ahead and Switzerland will be a replacement?


I reckon that's the case. Valais would come in when Greece (inevitably) drops out.

[AndyRAC]

No Valais? Are they being serious? And Cyprus & Greece back to back? Get rid of one of them. If they leave Valais out then they need certifying.

[John Williams]

No Valais? Are they being serious? And Cyprus & Greece back to back? Get rid of one of them. If they leave Valais out then they need certifying.

Valais was named as one of the rounds of the new FIA RGT Cup.

I wonder of this will change now it is no longer an ERC round?

[mousti]

That cup won't be such a succes. I think it's quite unlikely that there will be 2 competitors doing all events..

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[Mirek]

No Valais? Are they being serious? And Cyprus & Greece back to back? Get rid of one of them. If they leave Valais out then they need certifying.

We just discussed with Tommeke possible reason for that and it might be the date. Valais organizers in the past insisted on their date which is in clash with Rally Catalunya. FIA doesn't want any WRC/ERC clashes.

[arnmar4]

Rallye du Valais is from 28.10.15 - 31.10.15

Spain is from 22.10 - 25.10.15

[dodge33cymru]

Yeah, looked like they'd resolved the date clash for next year, had assumed it was because of the clash. Can't see any good reason, but would be nice to hear some actual reasoning from either the championship or the Valais organisers.

[AndyRAC]

We just discussed with Tommeke possible reason for that and it might be the date. Valais organizers in the past insisted on their date which is in clash with Rally Catalunya. FIA doesn't want any WRC/ERC clashes.


And quite right. While they're different series, and different promoters, surely the FiA must have some say. Having events clash does neither event any good.

Hopefully, common sense will prevail - and Valais will be in....

[arnmar4]

Yeah, looked like they'd resolved the date clash for next year, had assumed it was because of the clash. Can't see any good reason, but would be nice to hear some actual reasoning from either the championship or the Valais organisers.

I hope that we get an explanation!!!

[Jack4688`]

Provisional: If the past few years is anything to go by about seven or eight of these events will be part of the final calendar after two or three alterations over next couple of months - and even once the season has started.

Strange that there's a TWO MONTH gap between Liepaja and Circuit of Ireland and another one between Circuit and Açores.


Valais was named as one of the rounds of the new FIA RGT Cup.

I wonder of this will change now it is no longer an ERC round?

Bloody hope not! Only event they could replace it with would be Rallye de France in (as it's also in October) but then the championship would end with two rounds in France

[stefanvv]

Dissapointed for Valais, don't think Greece and Cypres together are better than this one out, moreover one after another.

[stefanvv]

Strange that there's a TWO MONTH gap between Liepaja and Circuit of Ireland and another one between Circuit and Açores.

That's how it is with just 10 events in the calendar. But this is how it should be anyway.


Bloody hope not! Only event they could replace it with would be Rallye de France in (as it's also in October) but then the championship would end with two rounds in France

Hope not as well, GT-Cup must be a good start for this class and events must be as good. Hopefully there will be some competition in this with several regulars.

[Jack4688`]

Also the price you have to pay with the opening round being as early in the year as is possible!

But then Açores should be able to fill the gap in March, Tour de Corse should only ever be in May, then something in Septmeber and finish with Valais in October, job done :D

[stefanvv]

Also the price you have to pay with the opening round being as early in the year as is possible!

But then Açores should be able to fill the gap in March, Tour de Corse should only ever be in May, then something in Septmeber and finish with Valais in October, job done :D

Yeah, job done. Only there are lot of people don't agree:D

[Luis Pacheco]

Yes, it was like that one year (2013) but only 3 drivers done both rallys, but you have 3 days to rebuild the car and if something wrong happen you miss the Rally...so i don t understand this calênder, let´s see if the 2 rallys will count for National Championship, if they do, it is unacceptable this dates

We still do not know in what format Rallye Portugal and Azores will be led in terms of the Portuguese championship. The FIA has said that the 2013 form can not continue.

For years I am apologist of the non inclusion of Rally Portugal and the Azores in the Portuguese championship. The teams are freed from the pressure of scoring points and may try to run for a good classification overall.

[tolis]

Guys, why don't you want Greece? Greece has the legendary Acropolis Rally with great organisation and stages. Ok, it's position is in the WRC, but I think it gives ERC more prestige. The only problem Acropolis Rally has is the financial part.
Regarding Cyprus, it's the only mixed event. I think ERC should have one mixed event. OK, if you don't want Cyprus, let's add San Remo rally in mixed surface. Why not? The only problem for this rally is that it's quite expensive for the teams and the drivers. But I don't think that this is a good reason for Cyprus to be out. Otherwise, we will have ERC rallies only in Central Europe, Finland and UK.
I think that Rallye du Valais should also be in ERC. It's a unique rally in Europe, like Rallye Monte Carlo.

So, why not an 11-round ERC?

[nafpaktos]

As Greek I am happy that our rally will be to the calendar(after the ratification) but I don't think October is the ideal month for the Greek gravel roads.also this rally has nothing to do with rally Acropolis,it's totally different rally so there is no extra prestige for erc if comprises rally greece to it's calendar.so we must not confuse Acropolis rally with the 2014 event or 2015 event.i understand guys that want valais in( in the place of rally Greece) TOTALLY because it's an iconic event as ACROPOLIS is(the real thing)and should be back to wrc.Rally du valais should be on calendar undoubtedly.

[nafpaktos]

'Rally of Greece', not Acropolis RAlly?

Clearly there's big issues in Greece. Different Organiser?
Yes,with a big dispute between them.

[N.O.T]

Lets hope a proper Rally takes the place of that sorry excuse for an event... Greece has nothing to offer anymore to anything, let alone in rallying... and hopefully that asterisk justifies its place.

The fact that the only reason the rally should be run is because of its name and history is enough to justify how bad things are.

[PLuto]

Teams here in Corse are also quite "surprised" and "concerned" regarding the calendar. Not only about events (nobody expected Cyprus to be there again as it is one of the most expensive events in costs, Valais absence is big mistake), but also about schedule...

[Rally Power]

Teams here in Corse are also quite "surprised" and "concerned" regarding the calendar. Not only about events (nobody expected Cyprus to be there again as it is one of the most expensive events in costs, Valais absence is big mistake), but also about schedule...

Hope they can put pressure at Eurosport guys in order to reshape the calendar! 2 weeks between Portugal and Açores is crazy and Açores without portuguese top crews will be a much poor rally.

[arnmar4]

Teams here in Corse are also quite "surprised" and "concerned" regarding the calendar. Not only about events (nobody expected Cyprus to be there again as it is one of the most expensive events in costs, Valais absence is big mistake), but also about schedule...


Pluto . I agree with you .
Greece must get out of the calendar !!
Valais must in the calendar !!

[arnmar4]

[QUOTE=arnmar4;1024969]Pluto . I agree with you .
Greece must get out of the calendar !!
Valais must in the calendar !!

Excuse me . I mean cyprus

[Mirek]

Regarding Cyprus, it's the only mixed event. I think ERC should have one mixed event. OK, if you don't want Cyprus, let's add San Remo rally in mixed surface. Why not? The only problem for this rally is that it's quite expensive for the teams and the drivers. But I don't think that this is a good reason for Cyprus to be out. Otherwise, we will have ERC rallies only in Central Europe, Finland and UK.

It's quite big problem, don't You think? It partly causes another problem and that is very low interest in Cyprus from ERC regulars. Why to have a rally which the competitors don't want to drive? And there is also another problem in the fact that despite different rules in ERC and MERC both competitors were counted together. That's very wrong in my opinion.

[Luis Pacheco]

Looks like the Azores rallye organizers are not happy with the date as reported by the azorean press today.

[PLuto]

Hope they can put pressure at Eurosport guys in order to reshape the calendar! 2 weeks between Portugal and Açores is crazy and Açores without portuguese top crews will be a much poor rally.

This calendar is almost final. No date changes expected.

[harriswrc]

I can't see serious reasons that you are against Cyprus Rally. It was a well organised event, with a very special SSS, with live TV coverage, about 10 of 15 ERC regulars were there and the rally had a mixed unique character.
OK it is far away for the transportation, but it is the same as par example Azores. It is also an historical ERC-event and I think Cyprus Rally deserves to be part of ERC.

[WUff1]

I can't see serious reasons that you are against Cyprus Rally. It was a well organised event, with a very special SSS, with live TV coverage, about 10 of 15 ERC regulars were there and the rally had a mixed unique character.
OK it is far away for the transportation, but it is the same as par example Azores. It is also an historical ERC-event and I think Cyprus Rally deserves to be part of ERC.

The mix of different rules with MERC at rally Cyprus is not very satisfying in my opinion.

[Franky]

Based on Rally Estonia press release, Rally Estonia has got until the beginning of December to sign the contract. Reason behind the delay is money. Urmo Aava said that about 1/5 of the budget is missing at the moment.

[makinen_fan]

The mix of different rules with MERC at rally Cyprus is not very satisfying in my opinion.

Maybe it is was bit confusing but it provided a measure to the speed of ERC drivers, and they didn't fair so well compared to MERC drivers... About transportation, the close dates with the Greek round (if it happens) surely will help with costs.
Also the calendar needed some gravel rounds. Greece and Estonia are still with a question mark

[Mirek]

Maybe it is was bit confusing but it provided a measure to the speed of ERC drivers, and they didn't fair so well compared to MERC drivers... About transportation, the close dates with the Greek round (if it happens) surely will help with costs.
Also the calendar needed some gravel rounds. Greece and Estonia are still with a question mark

I think he meant different tyre or fuel rules. That shall not happen in one event.

[PLuto]

I can't see serious reasons that you are against Cyprus Rally. It was a well organised event, with a very special SSS, with live TV coverage, about 10 of 15 ERC regulars were there and the rally had a mixed unique character.
OK it is far away for the transportation, but it is the same as par example Azores. It is also an historical ERC-event and I think Cyprus Rally deserves to be part of ERC.

I think you are out of reality. You are talking about IRC era...

[Luis Pacheco]

The portuguese motorsport federation asked Eurosport to change the date of Rally Azores.

http://www.jornalacores9.net/desporto/federacao-pede-alteracao-de-data-do-rali-dos-acores/

[PLuto]

The portuguese motorsport federation asked Eurosport to change the date of Rally Azores.

http://www.jornalacores9.net/desporto/federacao-pede-alteracao-de-data-do-rali-dos-acores/

But moving Acores one week later will bring lot of problems to the ERC regulars...

[Ifox95]

Does anyone know the situation with the Romanian Sibiu Rally ??

It would of been a great event as a winter asphalt event especially with the transfagarasan pass ??

Could it return in 2016 ??

[PLuto]

Does anyone know the situation with the Romanian Sibiu Rally ??

It would of been a great event as a winter asphalt event especially with the transfagarasan pass ??

Could it return in 2016 ??

I think there is not so big chance. Only if they bring big money...

[cosmin_sb]

Next year the Sibiu Rally will return only into the national championship into new format after one year break. The surface will be asphalt. Most probably it has some special stage on Transfagaras road.