ERC season start pushed back to May in Azores

Faced with the significant progression of the coronavirus pandemic in Portugal, the organizers of the European Rally Championship ERC have wisely decided to postpone the start of the continental series to May, with le Rally Azores now placed in opening round (NEVER-NEVER ever).

The Fafe round, new to the program and which was to serve as a repeat event, will thus be postponed from March to the weekend of September 24 to 26. Another change of date for the Canary Islands Rally, initially scheduled for May and which will be contested at the end of the championship from November 18 to 20.

“Despite considerable efforts, preserving the configuration of two consecutive events between the Rally Serras de Fafe e Felgueiras and the Azores Rally is unfortunately not possible this year, admits Jean-Baptiste Ley, coordinator of the ERC.

Logistical support for teams competing in the Azores Rally will remain in place and the round is prime for the season opener. By returning to the original date of Rally Islas Canarias, we hope to minimize disruption to drivers, teams and broadcasters.

The date was also a vacant slot for the Portuguese ASN, the National Federation and its national and local championships. »

ERC 2021 calendar corrected:

May 6-8: 55th Azores Rally (Ground)
June 1!-20: 77th Rally Poland (Ground)
July 1-3: Rally Liepāja (Ground)
July 23-25: Rally di Roma Capitale (Asphalt)
August 27-29: 50th Barum Czech Rally Zlín (Asphalt)
September 24-26: Rally Serras de Fafe e Felgueiras (Ground)
October 22-24: Rally Hungary (Asphalt)
November 18-20: Rally Islas Canarias (Asphalt)