2020 Wales Rally GB cancelled over Covid uncertainty

This year’s Wales Rally GB has been cancelled due to the uncertainty of ongoing Covid-19 restrictions.

It’s the first time that the British rally has been cancelled in more than 50 years, but organisers said that it was impossible to plan an event that usually attracts 100,000 spectators, when there remain “too many unknown factors”.

The event had been due to run from October 29 to November 1 but joins several other cancellations on this year’s World Rally Championship calendar, including Kenya’s Safari Rally, which had been due to return next month, along with rounds in New Zealand, Finland and Portugal.

“We have to accept, with an incredibly heavy heart, that cancelling this year’s event is the only responsible and prudent option.”

“This is not a decision that we have taken lightly but, in close consultation with our chief funding partner the Welsh Government, it is sadly one we are obliged to make in light of the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic,” said David Richards, Chairman of Motorsport UK, governing body of UK motor sport and organiser of Wales Rally GB.

“While significant progress is being made to combat the virus, there remains considerable uncertainty regarding mass gatherings, social distancing and travel restrictions, plus the possibility of a resurgence of viral transmission later in the year.

“We have been closely monitoring the guidance issued by Government and it is becoming increasingly clear that it is impossible to make plans with any certainty for such major events in the autumn. We therefore have to accept, with an incredibly heavy heart, that cancelling this year’s event is the only responsible and prudent option. We will instead start focusing our attentions on creating an even bigger and better world-class showcase for 2021.”