World championship to expand

Rallying

Thursday 08 February 1996 19:02 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Rallying

Max Mosley, president of FIA, the governing body of world motorsport, yesterday announ-

ced a major expansion of the World Rally Championship, held by Britain's Colin McRae.

On the eve of today's Swedish Rally, the opening round of this year's world championship, Mosley said: "In 1997 we will have 14 events. That will then rise to 16, as we have in Formula One. We've got to get it out of the little club level."

Mosley insisted extra rallies would raise the world championship's profile and dismissed suggestions it would impose too severe a burden on top drivers. "If you cut the number of rallies, they'd just increase the amount of time testing," he said.

Bernie Ecclestone, the FIA vice-president, said: "We've got to take a good look at making it entertaining. At the moment, on television, it is not."

A dispute erupted when it emerged that local radio stations were for the first time being charged up to pounds 3,300 to cover the rally. Sweden's Kenneth Eriksson said radio stations carried vital safety information for spectators and that the approved broadcaster did not cover the entire route.

Both Mosley and Ecclestone said they were unaware coverage had been so severely restricted and pledged to reach a last-minute agreement.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in