The FIA has released a provisional 2021 calendar for the World Rally Championship which features nine confirmed rounds, though more are expected to be added with manufacturers pushing for a minimum of ten rounds.
Although the 2020 calendar has yet to be set following the postponement and cancellation of several rallies due to Covid-19, the World Motor Sport Council ratified the first nine rounds of the ’21 schedule on Friday.
These include Monte Carlo (subject to promoter agreement), Finland, Portugal, Sweden, Kenya, Spain, Italy, Japan and Australia.
Dates have yet to be confirmed, though it’s highly likely the season will begin in January with the traditional Rallye Monte Carlo.
Missing rounds include Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Turkey, Germany and Wales Rally GB.
Other changes also ratified during the WMSC meeting are efforts to cut costs, as well as regulation changes to facilitate the restart of the ’20 season.
“This includes a reduction in the number of engines used by WRC teams from three to two if there are eight or fewer rounds in 2020.
“The limitation of pre-event testing to one day for every Manufacturer driver entered in a European WRC round, the test to be used before the corresponding event.
“Both proposals have already been approved by competitors registered in the 2020 WRC, in accordance with article 18.2.4 of the International Sporting Code.”
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