The exceptional circumstances of 2020 have affected motor sport calendars all over the world. The reorganisation of the World Rallycross Championship calendar has presented Finland with a long-awaited opportunity to return to the series.
“I’m delighted that we can add events in Finland. Everything from the initial idea, to getting a contract, has taken just a few weeks and illustrates the best kind of lateral thinking and cooperation from the event organiser, our World RX competitors, the IMG World RX team and the FIA to recognise an opportunity and make the most of it,” said
Paul Bellamy, Senior Vice President of motorsports events at IMG.
Although the event has come together in an incredibly short time-frame, organiser SET Promotion Oy has planned the high-quality World Championship round while respecting the ongoing global situation.
“It's fantastic that Finnish motor sport expertise is so trusted in the world and we have the opportunity to organise an FIA World Rallycross Championship race in Finland this summer. We have been able to create the package on a tight schedule, thanks to the help of professional people and good partners,” said SET Promotion’s Event Manager,
Sami Puumalainen.
“Our main focus is to organise a great event for the competitors, and at the same time to take care of the safety of the participants, with all the necessary restrictions. It’s great to get World Rallycross back to Finland after such a long break. We know that many teams and drivers have good memories of the Kouvola circuit; we will do our best to make this one a great and memorable event too. As a spectacular and fast-paced sport, Rallycross is the best motorsport entertainment, with 600-horsepower, four-wheel drive Supercars fighting door-to-door on track, where not an inch is given away for free. And best of all, we are able to offer this show to all motor sport fans on TV on both race days,” Puumalainen continued.
As the exceptional circumstances in 2020 have delayed the start of the World Rallycross Championship season, the event format for the first three weekends includes two separate rounds condensed into two days. Therefore, Finland, which is the second event of the season, will run two completely separate rounds, both of which will be awarded full World Championship points.
The aim of the event is to serve the entire motor sport community as well as possible during these exceptional times. This is highlighted by the investment in television, as every motor sport fan will have the opportunity to watch the race safely via their screens, live on Yle’s channels.
FIA World Rallycross Championship Calendar 2020
1. Sweden, Höljes, August 22-23 (two rounds in one weekend)
2. Finland, Kouvola, August 29-30 (two rounds in one weekend)
3. Latvia, Riga, September 19-20 (two rounds in one weekend)
4. Belgium, Spa-Francorchamps, October 3-4
5. Portugal, Montalagre, October 10-11
6. Spain, Barcelona, October 17-18
7. United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, October 30-31
8. Germany, Nürburgring, December 12-13
More info:
Sami Puumalainen, Event Manager, SET Promotion Ltd
sami.puumalainen@setpromotion.com, p. +358 40 590 4350
Sami Heiskanen, Promoter, SET Promotion Ltd
sami.heiskanen@setpromotion.com, p. +358 40 728 7851