The Arctic Rally joins the calendar

Great first. THE WRC will venture into the Arctic Circle for the first time in its history. This Thursday marked the entry of the Arctic Rally into the calendar for the 2021 world championship campaign.

As a replacement for Rally from Sweden, canceled last December due to health restrictions in force, the city of Rovaniemi in Finland will welcome the major players in the world rally from February 26 to 28.

« Since the cancellation of Rally Sweden in December was confirmed, we have been working with AKK Sports (Finnish promoter), the city of Rovaniemi and all the enthusiasts to try to organize this event, recognized Jona Siebel, director of the WRC promoter. The race against time was difficult, I would like to thank everyone involved ».

With the Arctic Rally, the WRC will indeed have its annual meeting on snow. Finland, for its part, hits the jackpot since it will organize two rallies this year. The national event is scheduled for July 29 to August 1 in Jyväskylä.

« With the arrival of the Arctic Rally Finland on the WRC calendar, we will experience a rally in a region that has always made us dream and where the conditions promise to be optimal for a snow event (the thermometer can drop to -30°C at this time of year), relishes Yves Matton, rally director at the FIA. After the unfortunate cancellation of Rally Sweden in December, it’s proof that challenges can come from opportunities ».

In total, 260 timed kilometers are on the program for the Arctic Rally with also a shakedown and opening stages.