Ypres Rally Belgium will feature on the 2022 FIA World Rally Championship calendar, filling the vacant spot left by Rally Northern Ireland’s failed attempt to organise a round of the championship.
Northern Ireland had been bidding for a slot on the calendar, but failed to raise the necessary funds by the deadline imposed by Motorsport UK to ensure the event could go ahead.
Therefore the ninth round in mid-August was left as ‘to be confirmed’. On Friday the WRC confirmed that Ypres Rally Belgium would return.
“Belgium brought something quite different to last year’s WRC due to its tricky special stages and fast-paced format, which meant there was little time for anyone to pause for breath,” said Jona Siebel, managing director of WRC Promoter.
“The Ypres region whole-heartedly throws itself into rally week. There’s a great buzz out on the stages and we’re sure that will be replicated in the town itself this time round when fans will be allowed in the beautiful Grote Markt service park.”
Barum Czech Rally Zlin had been another option to fill the gap, but eventually lost out to Belgium.
“We were hugely impressed with the professionalism and plans from the organising team in Zlin,” added Siebel. “The rally remains a key event in the FIA European Rally Championship and the door remains open to their WRC ambitions. We look forward to continue working with them.”
The WRC heads to Rally Sweden for round two, next weekend.
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