WRC: Portuguese and Italian rounds have both been postponed

As a result of the continued global spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the 2020 Vodafone Rally de Portugal and the 2020 Rally Italia Sardegna have both been postponed.

Following the extension of a state of emergency in Portugal and similar emergency measures in Italy, extensive discussions were held involving national authorities in both countries, the FIA and WRC Promoter. With the unanimous agreement of all parties, organisers Automóvel Club de Portugal (ACP) and Automobile Club d’Italia (ACI) requested a postponement of their rallies.

Vodafone Rally de Portugal, round five of the FIA World Rally Championship, was due to take place in Matosinhos on May 21-24. Rally Italia Sardegna, round six, was due to take place in Sardinia on June 4-7.

WRC Promoter and FIA continue to closely monitor the situation in affected countries due to host future rounds, as well as the home countries of WRC teams and all competitors. Following today’s decision, the next event on the calendar is Safari Rally Kenya, scheduled for July 16-19.

Rally de Portugal

ACP president Carlos Barbosa said: “We wish to thank all our supporters and partners for their understanding and look forward to welcoming them in Matosinhos at a later stage this year.”

ACI president Angelo Sticchi Damiani said: “Automobile Club d’Italia, as the federation of Italian motor racing and as Rally Italia Sardegna organiser, has made itself available, with the FIA and with the WRC Promoter, to study a possible new date for an event of great prestige and great historical importance.”

“All parties will work to identify potential alternative dates for the postponed rallies later in the season should the COVID-19 situation improve, taking into consideration championship logistics, the ability of competitors to travel again and the ability of the country in question to prepare and host the WRC at such a time,” said WRC Promoter managing director Oliver Ciesla.

Photos: WRC, Hyundai Motorsport