PR: SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS TO JOIN WORLD RX CALENDAR FROM 2019

Belgium’s legendary Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps will join the FIA World Rallycross Championship presented by Monster Energy from next season in a new five-year deal, with the quickest rallycross drivers on the planet set to tackle one of the most iconic corners in the sport – Eau Rouge.

The Spa FIA World Rallycross of Benelux will join the World RX calendar in 2019, with the date and track layout due to be revealed later this year. The event will take place on a purpose-built track incorporating Eau Rouge – a fast, challenging corner whose fame has gone down in motorsport folklore.

James Taylor, Vice President, Rallycross at IMG, said: “We are thrilled to be able to confirm our new agreement with Spa-Francorchamps. If you ask any motorsport driver or fan to name their favourite circuits, Spa would be up there every time. Some of the greatest drivers in the history of the sport have won at this iconic venue, from Ayrton Senna to Michael Schumacher and Jim Clark, and now some of rallycross’ finest are set to add their names to that impressive roll call.

“Spa-Francorchamps shares our vision for creating modern motorsport festivals, and we look forward to our long-term relationship with them. To be able to include Eau Rouge as part of the rallycross track is the icing on the cake, and we are already tremendously excited for the inaugural Spa FIA World Rallycross of Benelux next year. It promises to be an absolutely spectacular weekend.”

Nathalie Maillet, CEO, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, said: “The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is delighted to welcome the Benelux round of the FIA World Rallycross Championship next year. Rallycross is a new discipline for our circuit and fits perfectly with our strategy, which consists of welcoming major new events and new fans, while continuing to nurture our existing ones. It also underscores the international appeal of our circuit and proves that our committed diversification efforts are paying off.”

Melchior Wathelet, Chairman of the Board, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, added: “IMG’s ambitions for World RX perfectly match our desire for development, with a breath-taking show on-track, a real proximity to the public and entertainment off the track to enhance the fan experience. Everything is in place to make this exciting new venture one of the key events on the Spa-Francorchamps calendar, and we are very pleased to announce the beginning of this long-term collaboration.”