WRC Calendar 2025

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Originally Posted by Rallyper

So now politics has been an component in discussions on where to have rallies or not...

I don´t like it...

I know, I know, money rules. And guys in the top are like politicians for sure. To me quality of event is the importance not to rule out.

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When any championship decides to have a round/event at a place where their competitors might be at risk just by, well, being alive. That's what happens.

What an image to send to youngsters as well. Rally, an inclusive sport, open for anyone. Just not WRC, or at least, if you happen to have a boyfriend as a male driver, don't bring him to that event, and if you must. Don't hold hands or anything. Refrain from emotions if you win. Meh.

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Originally Posted by Myrvold

When any championship decides to have a round/event at a place where their competitors might be at risk just by, well, being alive. That's what happens.

What an image to send to youngsters as well. Rally, an inclusive sport, open for anyone. Just not WRC, or at least, if you happen to have a boyfriend as a male driver, don't bring him to that event, and if you must. Don't hold hands or anything. Refrain from emotions if you win. Meh.

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You can’t change anything by sniping from the outside and sneering in.

Sounds like you need to read the latest travel advice to the country, and take into account their laws & cultures, that is part of what world travel is all about, right?

So, if a male driver has a female co-driver that isn't his wife, does her father or brother have to ride in the back with the spare wheels?

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Originally Posted by Steve Boyd

So, if a male driver has a female co-driver that isn't his wife, does her father or brother have to ride in the back with the spare wheels?

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Several female competitors in Dakar (both drivers and co-drivers) - it’s not an issue.

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Originally Posted by J4MIE

Not sure I see the positivity - these checks were meant to have been done before the last decision.

A lot of young Irish are funded by a very very very very very (very) rich individual, not by the sport in Ireland itself.

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It wasnt possible in the timeframe, but that means it wasnt actually refused.

IMO there is a much better chance of success in the Rep of Ireland than there was in N.Ireland which had no proper Govt as well as a very tight budget.

And even if there is a wealthy benefactor for some drivers there, MI Rally Academy is still helping and much so than UK Motorsport ever does.

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Originally Posted by Fast Eddie WRC

It wasnt possible in the timeframe, but that means it wasnt actually refused.

IMO there is a much better chance of success in the Rep of Ireland than there was in N.Ireland which had no proper Govt as well as a very tight budget.

And even if there is a wealthy benefactor for some drivers there, MI Rally Academy is still helping and much so than UK Motorsport ever does.

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MI academy is funded by the same person.

And correct - the previous decision wasn’t refused, it was because the government hadn’t looked at the details so it all fell apart.

May I ask, who is this mystery Mr Rich?

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Originally Posted by Franky

May I ask, who is this mystery Mr Rich?

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John Coyne.

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Originally Posted by Franky

May I ask, who is this mystery Mr Rich?

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It's no mystery, it's well known that John has funded the Billy Coleman award and also the Academy and still does, which i think is a great credit to all involved.

https://motorsportireland.com/Public...y_Academy.aspx

https://www.mirallyacademy.ie/

As for the Rally Ireland episode now that's a whole different scenario, but at least they are trying which is a lot more than can be said for the MSA

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Originally Posted by J4MIE

You can’t change anything by sniping from the outside and sneering in.

Sounds like you need to read the latest travel advice to the country, and take into account their laws & cultures, that is part of what world travel is all about, right?

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Yes, I know that they say LGBT-tourists are welcome. It also is noted that Saudi Arabia has some of the strictest anti-LGBTQ+ laws in the world, where same-sex sexual acts and identifying as LGBTQ+ are punishable by death, lifetime prison sentences, flogging, and chemical castration.
That's not a place I would spend any money in. I've lost friends due to not feeling accepted, I know of racers that doesn't want to be honest, as they fear it will end their career. I cannot look at that, and with a good conscience pretend it's all fine because they would like my money.