Two former World Rally Championship (WRC) title holders have announced their support for Ireland’s bid to host a round of the prestigious championships from 2007
Great Britain’s first ever WRC champion, the legendary Colin McRae, has come out in support of Rally Ireland, in the run up to their candidate event, which takes place from 10th to 12th March.
"I’ve been rallying in Ireland for years, and it has always been great.," he said.
"They are serious about their rallying, and the stages are tough and testing but the Irish sure know how to host a rally, and there is a lot of fun after the rallying is done."
"I can’t see why there shouldn’t be a round of the WRC in Ireland; the championship needs more tarmac rallies. The stages are different to European tarmac rallies, and it would be a real test for today’s WRC drivers. It would also be a great place for drivers to compete because the scenery is spectacular so that would also make it great for TV."
McRae holds the record for youngest ever WRC champion after his 1995 win.
Finnish Champion co-driver Juha Piironen has also thrown his weight behind the bid.
"The appeal of Rally Ireland will be that the tarmac stages are so good to drive in the dry but devilishly challenging when they’re wet," he said.
"The stages I’ve seen float through beautiful rolling hills, waterfront roads and wide open green spaces. Ireland really is the most beautiful location in the world for WRC."
Piironen is three time world co-driver champion with fellow Finn Juha Kankkunen — who was the second-most successful World Rally Championship driver of all time behind Tommi Mäkinen.
Leading Irish drivers Gareth MacHale, Eugene Donnelly, and two time Irish champion Andrew Nesbitt will all take place in the candidate event.