Ypres Rally canceled

We mentioned it on Monday evening in our AUTO issue 2284hebdo, dated this week: Rally from Ypres was strongly threatened by cancellation faced with the deterioration of the health situation linked to the coronavirus pandemic, and with the various restrictive measures taken by governments.

A cancellation confirmed this Friday. “In close consultation with the organizer, the administrative authorities and the office of the Minister of the Interior, and based on the evolution of the pandemic in our region, it was decided that it was irresponsible to authorize the round of the World Championship in Ypres in the current circumstances, declares the governor of West Flanders Carl Decaluwé.

A decree of the governors will be drawn up in accordance with the new evolution of the measures today, Friday October 30, and in accordance with the amendments to the ministerial decree containing the emergency measures decided to limit the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus from of October 28, 2020 by the National Security Council. »

The cancellation of two events last week in Belgium, where Hyundai et Toyota to calibrate before Ypres, had thrown into doubt the possible holding of the test. It now remains to be seen whether the legendary rally will be able to return WRC in the near future.

“It is of course a huge disappointment for all our collaborators, who have proven their ability to organize a WRC round in a short time, admits Alain Penasse, president of the Superstage Club.

Let us hope that our efforts and investments have not been in vain. We have proven to the FIA ​​and the promoter that we can adapt quickly and that we are able to organize the Renties Ypres Rally on a global level.

This cancellation was inevitable but we are not giving up on our ambitions for the WRC. I hope this cancellation is just a postponement. »

In fact, the 2020 WRC calendar only includes the rally to be organized in Monza in Italy at the beginning of December. Elfyn Evans is 14 points ahead of Sébastien Ogier in the general classification of drivers, when Thierry Neuville points at 24 points, and Ott Tänak at 28.