International rallying returned to Britain for the first time since 2019 last weekend as Rali Ceredigion made a resoundingly successful debut as part of the European Rally Championship. The event certainly filled British rally fans with hope and, just maybe, could be a catalyst for a Rally GB revival.
Last weekend marked yet another impressive step for the Welsh asphalt rally that has achieved ERC status and put Britain back on the international rally sphere in only its fourth running. It’s been achieved thanks to the tireless efforts of a team led by event director Charlie Jukes who has managed to unite a community, securing funding from local councils and businesses to bring an idea to reality, through an army of 1250 volunteers.
These individuals deserve huge credit for achieving this and even more recognition after Rali Ceredigion made a seamless step up to ERC level, showcasing British rallying on an international stage through a slick and professionally organised rally. Fans once again flocked to the stages held around the Welsh town of Aberystwyth and there was a buzz about the region, rekindling memories when Wales last hosted the World Rally Championship in 2019. The vision of rally cars flying across bumpy narrow lanes in the beautiful Welsh countryside and running around Aberystwyth castle was a great advert for the Welsh tourism board.
It begs an important question. Is a closed road asphalt rally, instead of the historical forestry gravel stages of the past, the future of Rally GB?
Factory Toyota WRC driver Elfyn Evans attended the event before flying to prepare for this week’s Acropolis Rally Greece. The Welshman believes Rali Ceredigion has the potential to grow to WRC status but admits that, while an asphalt rally would suffice, the ultimate goal would be for a gravel Rally GB.
“It gives us hope I think,” Evans told Motorsport.com. “There is no reason why this event can’t grow to even World Rally Championship status. Perhaps accommodation would be the biggest challenge here in Aberystwyth, but definitely the roads and the organisation are capable of it. It is a credit to the organisers that have put in the effort since the launch of this rally back in 2019.
Ceredigion gave British rallying talents an opportunity to tackle some of Europe’s biggest names on home soil
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
“I think it would add something quite unique to the [world] championship, but still deep…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Motorsport.com – RALLY – Stories…