Rome’s plan to host a spherical of the World Rally Championship subsequent yr has reached a milestone following the completion of a constructive candidate occasion final week.
The WRC introduced plans to modify the situation of its Italian spherical for 2027 final yr, with the asphalt-based Rally di Roma Capitale set to take over from the gravel phases of Sardinia.
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Sardinia has hosted the WRC yearly, barring 2009, for the reason that occasion moved from Sanremo on the mainland in 2004. Italy has additionally been represented within the WRC by Rally Monza in 2020 and 2021, when COVID-19 restrictions had been in place.
Rome has held a spherical of the European Rally Championship schedule since 2017, via the Rally di Roma Capitale occasion, with organisers desirous to elevate the rally to WRC standing.
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A delegation from the FIA was despatched to final week’s ERC version of Rally di Roma Capitale, gained by WRC2 star Roberto Dapra, to evaluate the occasion’s viability to step as much as the WRC.
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A candidate occasion (take a look at rally) should be held and deemed successful by the FIA earlier than a last determination is made as as to whether the occasion meets the required standards and could be included on future WRC calendars.
Yohan Rossel
Yohan Rossel
Rome is certainly one of three new rallies proposed for the 2027 calendar with the USA and Nice Britain, by way of Rally Scotland hoping to obtain last approval from the FIA.
The world motor sport governing physique visited the positioning proposed for the USA spherical in Tennessee and Kentucky final month, whereas a delegation will head to Scotland to attend the Grampian Forest Rally, which can act as Rally Scotland’s candidate occasion in August.
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Final week’s Rally Di Roma Capitale featured a revised route that includes new asphalt phases close to Rome and a brand new service park positioned within the capital metropolis. The FIA famous “the energy of its promotional platform” supplied by the occasion’s tremendous particular stage that runs alongside the well-known Colosseum.
An FIA report learn: “Returning to the ERC for the ninth time, the 2026 version served as an necessary live-event evaluation of Rally di Roma Capitale’s capability to step as much as the FIA World Rally Championship, showcasing the continued growth of the occasion via a redesigned route, new landmark areas in central Rome and contemporary particular phases held within the shadow of town’s iconic Colosseum.
“Throughout the three-day occasion, FIA delegates labored intently with native officers and organisers concerned within the supply of the rally to evaluate Rally di Roma Capitale’s preparedness for a possible step as much as the FIA World Rally Championship.
“A central function of the 2026 occasion famous by the delegation was the energy of its promotional platform, together with exercise within the coronary heart of Rome and a particular stage across the grounds of the Colosseum.
Rally Italy 2025
Rally Italy 2025
“The supply of rallying in such an iconic location, mixed with the dimensions of fan engagement and city-centre visibility, demonstrated the occasion’s potential to convey the FIA World Rally Championship in entrance of latest audiences.”
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The FIA will now analyse all of its findings within the coming weeks to find out if the rally could be included in subsequent yr’s calendar, which is more likely to be introduced in the summertime.
“That is one other thrilling second for followers, reflecting a yr of progress for the championship in 2026, with candidate occasions held in america, the UK and now within the historic capital of Italy,” mentioned FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
“There may be world momentum behind rallying, throughout each progress and heritage markets, highlighting our dedication to bringing the championship to new audiences around the globe.
“I want to thank our Member Membership, the Vehicle Membership d’Italia, WRC Promoter, the native organisers and all those that have labored collectively to assist this course of.
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“With the candidate occasion now full, our focus turns to finalising our studies and sharing our learnings with the native organisers.”
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