Wales Rally GB back on 2010 Calendar – Press Release

Wales Rally GB back on 2010 Calendar Press Release

Photo: ©willyweyens-rallyworld

Wales Rally GB (WRGB), Britain’s iconic round of the World Rally Championship (WRC), has been confirmed as the final round of the new 2010 WRC calendar, to be ratified by the FIA later this month. The decision should lay to rest the concerns of the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG), which recently served notice of its intention to terminate its sponsorship contract because of uncertainty over the event’s status in 2010.

Event organisers now look forward to receiving confirmation from WAG that the existing contract will run as scheduled until 2011. Andrew Coe, chief executive of event organiser International Motor Sports, noted: “We’re delighted that we’re back on the 2010 calendar. This is heartening news for everyone in Wales and should save the Welsh taxpayer millions of pounds that would have been wasted in a lengthy and unnecessary legal battle.

He continued: “We have an agreement moving forward that sees the world’s spotlight very much on Wales. As from the outset of our agreement with WAG, we continue to deliver on our promises of a landmark event that brings significant investment into the country, estimated to be at least £10 million per annum from public funding of £2 million. By any measure this investment represents good value for money and supports many businesses and jobs in Wales.

“Wales is committed to delivering internationally-significant events to raise its profile on the international stage. We understand this and have worked consistently to make WRGB a world leader. The significance of the event is widely recognised by the Welsh public, the Welsh business community as well as the many local communities and charitable institutions who benefit annually from this event.

“We have a five year contract to deliver WRGB and we are committed, passionately, to making it happen. Everything is now in place to see that successful partnership continue.”

Peter Hain, MP for Neath and former Secretary of State for Wales, noted: “Wales Rally GB is a landmark event, not only for the World Rally Championship but for Welsh sport. The event attracts tens of thousands of visitors from elsewhere in Britain and across the world, as well as global TV coverage, and brings over £10 million extra spending on hundreds of local businesses from hotels to restaurants to garages. It would be a terrible blow, not just to rally enthusiasts but to Wales as a whole, if it were lost due to withdrawal of Welsh Assembly Government funding.”

This year’s WRGB is scheduled to start in Cardiff on Thursday 22nd October and finish in the Welsh capital on Sunday 25th October. It is the 12th and final round of the 2009 WRC.

Source: walesrallygb.com