Rally of Great Britain : Rally GB Title Sponsorship Confirmed

Rally GB Title Sponsorship Confirmed

24 October 2009, 6:12 pm

Welsh Assembly Government and International Motor Sports Limited secure agreement over the continued sponsorship of Rally of Great Britain.

It was confirmed today [24 October], by both the Welsh Assembly Government and International Motor Sports Limited, that an agreement has been reached for the continued sponsorship of the British round of the FIA World Rally Championship by the Welsh Assembly Government.

The Welsh Assembly Government's support for the event had been in some doubt as a result of the decision of the FIA World Motor Sport Council to include the Rally of Great Britain on the World Rally Championship only every second year. However, in June the FIA World Motor Sport Council confirmed Britain's round on the WRC calendar for 2010.

Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones said:
"When doubts emerged over the rally's status in 2010, we moved to protect our contractual position and taxpayers' money. Now that those doubts have been removed, we are delighted to continue to bring this event to Wales, with all of the benefits it has for the people and economy of Wales."

Alan Gow, Chairman of IMS said:
"I am pleased to confirm that we have now resumed our partnership with the Welsh Assembly Government to continue to host the event. I'm confident that we can build on the current success of the rally and produce a truly spectacular event for the people and businesses of Wales."

Ends.

Sebastien Loeb has won Rallye Monte-Carlo for a sixth time following a dominant performance behind the wheel of the Citroen DS3 WRC he shares with Monegasque co-driver Daniel Elena.

Of the 74 starters who began Wales Rally GB in Llandudno on Thursday 10th November, 40 were classified at the end of the four-day,1860 kms rally which featured 23 timed special stages as it wound its way from the North coast to the ceremonial finish in Cardiff.

As this year's Wales Rally GB - the final and deciding round of the 2011 FIA World Rally Championship - draws to a close, Business Minister, Edwina Hart has announced a funding package of £1.4 million for the 2012 event.