The British round of the 2009 World Rally Championship (WRC) will go ahead in October despite a financing row threatening the event.
The Welsh Assembly announced in April that it would stop financing the Wales Rally through its £2.2 million annual sponsorship of the event. The Motor Sports Association (MSA), the governing body of British motor sport, said that it will step in to underwrite the event.
“In recent years, the MSA has exercised prudent management of its finances to create a surplus in order to protect the sport against unforeseen circumstances,” said MSA chairman Alan Gow in a statement. “Consequently, we have decided to underwrite this important and prestigious international event for the good of the sport, while continuing to pursue our extremely robust case against the Welsh Assembly Government for its breach of contract.“
“Everyone involved in Rally GB now have a very challenging period ahead to turn the event around in just four months. However, we are confident that the experience and professionalism of our people and clubs will make sure that this year’s event is a great success.”
The Welsh Assembly made its decision following a plan by world motorsport’s governing body the International Automobile Federation (FIA) to rotate the WRC between 22 countries starting from 2010, which could mean the British leg being dropped.
Rally organisers still hope a revised calendar for 2010 will feature their event and a decision is expected on June 24. This year's rally will take place from 22-25 October.
