New Zealand absent for 3 years in WRC?

Le Rally from New Zealand, much appreciated by the community of WRC, will not replace Australia in 2014 and is not expected to return in the following two years. In any case, this is what Peter Johnston, the director of the event, announced. Facing financial difficulties, New Zealand would be ready to abandon the concept of alternating with Australia for the next three seasons. “The problem is it just doesn’t work”, explained Peter Johnston. “The lack of continuity has greatly affected our commercial impact and our ability to employ qualified personnel in this world-class event. »

Peter Johnston proposes leaving Rally Australia on the WRC calendar until 2016 before Rally New Zealand returns to the discipline for three consecutive seasons. “While the WRC promoters are focused on the short term and are unable to accept the proposal at this time, we are providing grounds for constructive discussions. We hope this will enable the Australian and New Zealand rounds to be contested at a high standard, attracting commercial partners, competitors and large audiences. We therefore propose that each country receive the discipline for three consecutive years. This would give sponsors time to optimize their presence and obtain a return on investment. We can establish a solid marketing foundation to build public interest and maintain a high level of expertise to produce the event. We face rallies that receive significant support from their governments. We hope that this new structure will allow us to benefit from it as well…”