Will the WRC return to Ireland?

Le Rally of Ireland has had two editions in WRC (2007 and 2009) won by Sébastien Loeb. But since then, nothing has suggested a possible return of this ordeal. Until an Irish senator campaigned for its reintroduction into the premier discipline of rallying. Marc MacSharry believes that the organization of this event is an undeniable advantage for the country.

The Irish senator met Mohammed bin Sulayem, the vice-president of the FIA, to discuss his project. The politician wants to put together a bid for the 2012 season, before WRC promoter North One Sport presents the calendar for the following season in March.

“Ireland has proven to the world that it can organize and host global events like the WRC,” commented Marc MacSharry to Autosport. “In 2007, the Irish event was the most watched rally on television in the world. 800 million people, between live broadcasts and reports, followed the Rally of Ireland that year. This exposure, coupled with direct revenue and tourism, is too important to ignore, particularly in these times of recession. »

But it is this economic situation which risks slowing down the senator?s project. With Ireland facing one of the greatest crises in its history, holding an event of this magnitude requires numerous investments. If Marc MacSharry manages to raise the necessary funds, it is not certain that the Irish public will welcome the news with optimism.