2024 WRC News & Rumours

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Originally Posted by HKSjbg

The Rally Ireland bid is gathering momentum:

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/irela...-step-forward/

Of the choice between Limerick, Waterford and Kerry I sincerely hope Kerry wins so we see WRC Ireland heading up Molls Gap, among other classic Rally of the Lakes stages. I checked out the proximity of Waterford to Sally Gap and Aughavannah, but it may be too long a trek without a remote service ;)

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Some really good news, I hope it does pan out and we'll see them back in the calendar next Easter (assuming that's the slot they're targeting). Really hope this bares fruit and we'll have another (probably one of the best) tarmac round in the calendar. Craig would definitely be proud if they manage to pull it off.

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Originally Posted by Kenneth

I thought that too, but the rule was in place long before FIA become a member of the IOC.

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I see it stemming from the European Commission ruling/agreement of that time. FIA may have put some 'sports federation' bits immediately into place for optics whilst retaining supreme authority / not bowing immediately. I doubt Bernie/Max were too happy with any of it, given that they caused it all.

Only plausible justification, which the other suggestion here has nil of.

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Originally Posted by HKSjbg

The Rally Ireland bid is gathering momentum:

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/irela...-step-forward/

Of the choice between Limerick, Waterford and Kerry I sincerely hope Kerry wins so we see WRC Ireland heading up Molls Gap, among other classic Rally of the Lakes stages. I checked out the proximity of Waterford to Sally Gap and Aughavannah, but it may be too long a trek without a remote service ;)

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Limerick would be close enough to do some of the classic stages in Kerry also. Road section would not be that long.
Would be a fantastic event and more than likely have better stages than 2007/9 and with a better slot in the calendar meaning (hopefully) better weather.

I always felt we did not showcase how good rallying is here in 2007/9 although the events were not bad either. I just think seeing the top WRC drivers on some of the classic stages would really show the world the level the sport is at here.

Dirtfish says they've contacted the Promoter for comment but on a recent podcast they said the Promoter was desperate to have an event back in the UK/Ireland.

I really hope this comes off as Ireland is a true hotbed of the sport with amazing roads and deserves to show this to the world again.

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Originally Posted by Jewy46

Limerick would be close enough to do some of the classic stages in Kerry also. Road section would not be that long.
Would be a fantastic event and more than likely have better stages than 2007/9 and with a better slot in the calendar meaning (hopefully) better weather.

I always felt we did not showcase how good rallying is here in 2007/9 although the events were not bad either. I just think seeing the top WRC drivers on some of the classic stages would really show the world the level the sport is at here.

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I think the slot on the calendar is important; I don't think either 2007 or 2009 were the best slots, especially in 2009 when the weather was pretty awful.

In this podcast Kevin talks to Aiden Harper the Motorsport Ireland President and they discuss the WRC Bid;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGkgXYGHvAs&t=1750s


There's also some more news here regarding Tralee ;

https://www.independent.ie/regionals...926079307.html

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Originally Posted by AndyRAC

I think the slot on the calendar is important; I don't think either 2007 or 2009 were the best slots, especially in 2009 when the weather was pretty awful.

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Herein lies your answer: August/September

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Originally Posted by satnav

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGkgXYGHvAs&t=1750s

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However, this wasn’t the Norwegian’s only offer for 2024. Mikkelsen revealed to Motorsport.com that he had an opportunity to join M-Sport on a full-time basis for this season.

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/...back/10562108/

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Originally Posted by EstWRC

However, this wasn’t the Norwegian’s only offer for 2024. Mikkelsen revealed to Motorsport.com that he had an opportunity to join M-Sport on a full-time basis for this season.

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/...back/10562108/

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I believe long-term this was the best choice for him, but we will see.

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Originally Posted by Lead

I believe long-term this was the best choice for him, but we will see.

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I bet it was a tough decision. A few rallies in a Hyundai and having to play 3rd fiddle to Neuville/Tanak or lead MSport for whole season.
Big gamble he took, but you have to admire him for backing himself to do well against those guys.