Motorsport Ireland confirmed that its bid to bring a round of the World Rally Championship to Ireland had been paused until at least after 2027.
At its annual congress in Athlone last month the governing body said it was appointing an independent facilitator to assess all areas of the sport and help set future strategic goals.
As part of the original plan, Waterford, Limerick and Kerry will alternate as host locations for Rally Ireland if the proposed World Rally Championship bid is successful.
Motorsport Ireland we’re bidding to bring the WRC to Ireland in a minimum three-year deal, starting in 2025. President Aiden Harper said the process for funding from the Irish government had started.
Motorsport Ireland were asking for an investment of 15m euro over three years for a return of 300m euro back to the Irish economy.
The bid was scrapped over a year ago when organisers were not able to meet the deadline to obtain the necessary funding set by WRC officials. The Irish government said it would need “at least six months” to assess and analyse the proposal.
The promoter cutoff date had to be respected so that they can plan their 2025-2027 calendar strategy.
All eyes will be one Rally GB with a deal is on the cards to have the event hosted back in Scotland for the 2027 schedule.
