Rally New Zealand confirms it won’t be in WRC in 2023

Maybe even if it comes out Draft 2023 calendar The final meeting of the FIA ​​Rally Commission, to be announced in the coming weeks, and the World Motor Sport Council’s final meeting in October, will give some of the first details of the calendar. For the following campaign, beginning with Mexico’s theoretical return and Argentina’s lack of confirmation. Now that too has been announced New Zealand will not participate In the project.

The Kiwi nation wants to continue to be part of the WRC, but in this case, they feel it’s more convenient to face a rotating format every two or three years instead of being an annual event. Thus, New Zealand will not be one of the 14 events Theoretically those will be on the calendar for next season, although it remains to be seen if they will ultimately be five or six overseas dates.

Once New Zealand departs, a trial at the Emirates may be made, with Olivier Ciesla already serving at the time and being witnessed by his successor. Position headed by WRC promoter Jonah Seibel. The pandemic seriously affected attendance in New Zealand, postponing it for two consecutive years, which of course affected contracts with sponsors and companies.

We believe the future is strong for this event in New Zealand. The WRC has deep roots in New Zealand and the fan interest this week shows just how special the event is to our country. This week in New Zealand marks the first FIA World Championship motorsport event to be held using hybrid vehicles and fully sustainable fuel, heralding a new era for motorsport. After a successful event this week, we believe our team will be in a strong position to be added to the 2024 WRC calendar – Peter Johnston

For its part, the championship’s promoter Acropolis continues to defend its intention to maintain classic events such as the Safari Rally in Kenya, in this case New Zealand, as three dates with a long history in the championship are gradually being adapted. The current trend of shorter trials and larger shows near densely populated cities is, in a paradigmatic way, directly counter to what these trials have always been.