Azores Rally excluded from 2023 ERC calendar

Simon Larkin (Even Director) WRC Promoter) had warned that the program ofERC would undergo changes. The goal of the entity producing the images for this competition was to focus on countries with large markets. With such ambitions, it was certain that institutional sleeves would disappear and this will be a reality for the Azores. “ The promoter informed us that the rally not part of its plans for the 2023 season, explained the organizers in a press release. The justification given is that their intention is to make the championship more central, in order to reduce costs for the teams. Despite the event's efforts to ensure free sea and air transport for the teams, the latter still consider that the immobilization is too long compared to other races in the competition, according to the promoter. » For the Portuguese, this news has the effect of a cold shower. “ We deeply regret it, especially as we had not anticipated it, since all the federative entities praised the event, including the promoter of the WRC, who presented to the Organizing Committee of the Azores Rally a proposal to continue the rally in 2023 and 2024, which was under negotiation. » By crossing out this trip which had appeared on the European Championship calendar since 1992 with a few absences, the new boss of this series frees up a date which France could benefit from, Simon Larkin having explained that there was the desire to schedule a round in the hexagon.