Rallye de France, a future in Alsace?

Le Rally of France 2010, organized in Alsace, was a real success. If certain points posed problems for those involved in the WRC, the enormous popular success of the event crowned with success the organization of the eleventh of the thirteen rounds of the World Rally Championship. But the negative financial results could call into question its continuation in the coming seasons, the FFSA wishing to be able to count on even greater support from local authorities. Therefore, there is no guarantee that the Rallye de France-Alsace will be present in 2011.

« The contract between the Federation and local authorities was for one year with an expression of interest for two additional years, subject to the successful completion of the first edition, explains Nicolas Deschaux, president of the FFSA, to the Team. Last Friday, I presented to my steering committee a financial assessment of the deficit rally. He was in favor of perpetuating the Rallye de France-Alsace but expressed his wish to see local authorities increase their funding. We therefore hope to have, by November 30, a clear response from the communities, otherwise the 2011 Rallye de France will not be organized in Alsace. »

While the Alsace Region, the two departments and the cities concerned have already put their hands into their pockets for a significant part this year (more than 50% of the total budget), they will have to increase their financial effort in 2011. For Nicolas Deschaux , the additional investment requested is justified because of the economic benefit that this Rally represents for communities. “ If it is still difficult to quantify the economic benefits, we can think that we will be above the 25 million euros that a WRC rally generates on average. »

Beyond the economic aspect of organizing the event, Nicolas Deschaux is confident about the future of the Rallye de France, in Alsace? or elsewhere. “ Given the success of this first edition, I believe that today we have a real story to build with Alsace. I am confident in the local authorities and in our ability to know how to react if we are unable to carry out the 2011 Rallye de France in Alsace. We are ten months away from the event, we have to prepare for it. I need an answer. »

At the end of the 2010 event, all the local personalities were pleased with the success of this first Rally of France-Alsace. Quickly questioned about the continuation of the event in 2011, they had, despite the ambient euphoria, wanted to calm the enthusiasm of the enthusiasts, because of the financial effort which had already been asked of them. It is therefore a period of reflection which begins at the end of the season, in order to be able to find the best rallymen in the world in Alsace.