Plans to bring the World Rally Championship back to Ireland in 2026 have made progress following constructive discussions with the Irish government and WRC Promoter, according to Motorsport Ireland.
Ireland tabled a bid to secure a three-year contract to host the WRC from next year before it was halted in April after failing to obtain the required government funding.
The WRC Promoter had approved plans to bring the championship back to the island nation for the first time since 2009, if the required funding was secured. Motorsport Ireland had asked for €15 million from the Irish government to spread across the three-year contract, which it failed to secure within the required timeframe.
Motorsport Ireland estimated that the rally would generate €300 million for the local economy as it planned to rotate the rally through three locations – Waterford, Kerry and Limerick – across the proposed three-year deal.
Since April’s confirmation that funding wouldn’t be granted, Motorsport Ireland has confirmed that talks between the government and the WRC Promoter have continued as it hopes to bring the WRC to Ireland in 2026.
Reflecting on the recent developments, Motorsport Ireland president Aidan Harper added: “This is a progressive step in Motorsport Ireland’s plans to bring the World Rally Championship back to this island.
