Joining the European Union in 2004 clearly wasn’t enough for Estonia: its international rally now wants a place on the European championship calendar.
Rally Estonia, which is taking place this week, is targeting a 2014 ERC slot with event chief Urmo Aava confirming that the country’s government will decide next month whether or not it will splash the cash on securing a round of the regional championship.
Speaking to Becs Williams in Otepaa yesterday, Aava, a stage winner in the world championship in the past, said: “We can never say never but looking to the calendar and the plans the FIA has for the WRC then that looks like mission impossible. But where we should be and what championship we can organise a very good rally for is the European championship. We are working for that and at the moment we are waiting a decision from the government, which should be in August. Will they support us or not because always if you want to organise a high-level rally you need money.”
Aava, who has been at the helm of Rally Estonia for four years having called time on his driving career, added: “But it’s not all about money, it’s also making sure that the police, ambulance and rescue services are 100 per cent ready.”
Approximately 20,000 spectators are set to attend this year’s Rally Estonia, not bad for a country with a population of 1.2 million.
Comments