The FIA World Motor Sports Council has today confirmed the full championship status of the Wales Rally GB, Britain’s round of the World Rally Championship, in September for 2004.

In confirming the Wales Rally GB on the WRC calendar, the FIA has accepted the findings of a Motor Sports Association report but has also decided that the 2004 event should be observed to monitor the on-going speed camera situation.

The Motor Sports Association – governing body of motor sport in the UK – had been asked to submit a report to the FIA – the world governing body – following the large number of speeding offences that occurred on the event, predominantly in 2002. The report confirmed that the safety record of the public roads in the area of the rally is better than the national average and that the South Wales Police and the Safety Camera Partnership are now working in close co-operation with the rally organisers to promote road safety and to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Chief Executive of the Motor Sports Association Colin Hilton was delighted at the decision. ‘Road safety is an issue that has always been taken very seriously by the FIA and the MSA,’ he confirmed. ‘The WRC also recognises that all parties must abide by the laws of the country in which they are competing. However, we have a duty to ensure that we provide a fitting and welcoming venue for one of the world’s great championships. I am delighted this issue has now been resolved and we look forward to making the 2004 Wales Rally GB a huge success.’

‘Wales Rally GB is recognised as a world class event and worthy of its place on the WRC calendar,’ confirmed Andrew Coe, Chief Executive of Rally GB Limited, the organisers of the event. ‘We look forward to working with all our partners to make the 2004 event the best yet.’

For more details contact HSL on +44 (0)20 8977 9132.