WRC 2023 calendar: 14 rallies including one in the Middle East?

Barring a huge surprise or dramatic resumption of the pandemic, the 2023 calendar will include 14 rounds. The decision-makers want the most “global” competition possible, there should be 8 races in Europe and 6 outside. For the latter, several names can already be put forward, since Safari, New Zealand and Japan will be renewed. In America, Mexico seems to hold the lead, but Chile also has chances. Will the two be there? Only one ? What is certain is that the rally in the USA that all the players want will not be integrated next year, but it will have to successfully pass an inspection to verify that it meets the standards for the WRC of 2024. Nothing is confirmed, but this test would be located in Tennessee. The 2023 program should, however, include a new trip since the promoter is keen to return to the Middle East where the last experience dates back to Jordan in 2011. Negotiations are still ongoing, but it would not be surprising to see Jeddah in Saudi Arabia host the WRC after the F1 and the Dakar. While some question marks remain for overseas, planning in Europe has more certainties. Seven rallies have their ticket: Monte-Carlo, Sweden, Croatia, Sardinia, Finland, Greece and Estonia. The latter should then swap with Liepaja (Latvia) in 2024. The final slot would be between Portugal and Spain. If a distant trip is withdrawn, these two historic meetings will be integrated, but otherwise one of them will remain on the floor. Countries like Germany, England or France are new absentees, but a project withERC could be done in France. The next FIA World Council is scheduled for October, but it would not be surprising if the schedule was revealed before then.