Rally GB considering closed-road options for future WRC seasons
Rally GB could take advantage of Britain's new closed-road legislation in coming seasons now it has secured its World Rally Championship future
In March, the British government approved primary legislation to enable the Road Traffic Act to be suspended or amended without an Act of Parliament, simplifying the process.
Britain's WRC round had been at risk as the series considered which European event to drop to make room for a planned return to China, but the renewal of its long-term backing deal with the Welsh government through to 2018 has guaranteed its place on the schedule.
Ben Taylor, managing director of Rally GB organiser International Motor Sports, said that while a pure road stage was unlikely at this point, the new legislation offered possibilities for linking forest roads or adding town centre stages.
"The closed road legislation is very interesting," he said.
"When the enabling legislation is enacted, we will look at things like creating a much longer stage out of Dyfi and Gartheiniog, just for the sake of closing 500 metres of public highway.
"And we have to look into the towns - we've got a great relationship with Conwy, our host county and they are as keen as anyone to host something like that in their area."
He added that regardless of the Welsh funding deal, the continuity of staying in the region outweighed any consideration of routes elsewhere in the United Kingdom.
"There was interest from other regions this time, which is illustrative of the fact that this rally is growing in stature," Taylor confirmed.
"But our preference was always to form a new agreement with Wales.
"We really want to build on what we've achieved in north Wales in the last two years.
"In many ways, we're still finding our feet in this area and the businesses are coming to terms with the fact that we're coming back for a third year.
"The value of the move will be felt by local business in years four, five and six.
"Rather than starting again somewhere else, the preference was to build on what we have here."
Previous article
Hyundai promotes Hayden Paddon to its second WRC entry for Austalia
Next article
Success of 'candidate event' key to China's 2016 WRC inclusion
Rally Belgium: Sunday Afternoon Highlights
Vodafone Rally de Portugal Friday afternoon recap
Croatia Rally SS5-SS8
WRC Croatia Rally 2021 Teaser
Does Neuville have a point with his Rally1 rant?
OPINION: Thierry Neuville's diatribe against the upcoming Rally1-spec machines that will usher in the World Rally Championship's new hybrid era was remarkable in an era where drivers are usually reticent to air their views in public. But are the Belgian's concerns about speed, safety and cost entirely valid?
How the WRC's new flying Finn reached new heights in the Greek mountains
After Kalle Rovanpera’s historic feat at Rally Estonia, the Finn scaled new heights at the Rally of the Gods with a commanding victory. And this time Toyota’s young star demonstrated why the future is bright with his devastating speed and consistency at the Acropolis Rally
The WRC drivers that came of age at the Acropolis Rally
Five drivers have won first time out at the Rally Acropolis, transcending the tough dirt and gravel Greek roads to cement a place in rallying folklore. Here are three of the first-time winners' tales
Understanding Suninen’s sudden WRC exit gamble
From being considered a likely contender to drive the next-generation M-Sport Ford Puma in 2022, Teemu Suninen's abrupt exit has created plenty of questions. The Finn's bid to become his country's next World Rally Championship winner won't be furthered by being sidelined, but there may be reason behind the decision
Could Spa’s cameo offer the WRC a new avenue to exploit?
OPINION: The Ypres Rally featured a cameo from the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in its final stage, giving WRC teams the chance to experience its iconic corners in rallying machinery. It proved to be an engaging addition to the rally, and could perhaps serve as an example for other events to visit famous circuits
How Hyundai's home hero delivered overdue WRC success in Belgium
With limited recent fortune and pressure starting to mount, Hyundai needed a big result at the Ypres Rally. All the key components came together in Belgium to see home hero Thierry Neuville lead a manufacturer 1-2 and kickstart its World Rally Championship challenge
The new car that can resurrect Ford's WRC winning pedigree
M-Sport has become the first to unveil its new-for-2022 hybrid World Rally Championship challenger, the Puma Rally1. Ford has upped its support in a bid for glory, but can the new machine roll back the years and return the Blue Oval to the top of the WRC tree?
The rookie WRC driver aiming to continue Loeb and Ogier's legacies
French drivers have dominated the World Rally Championship across the past two decades; Sebastiens Loeb and Ogier have racked up the titles in commanding fashion. With Ogier calling it a day on full-time WRC competition from next year, France will pin its long-term hopes on rookie Adrien Fourmaux, who looks to have a bright future.
