Motoring Blog

These days the headlines from the motorsport world have been preoccupied with the surprising news that the Monte Carlo stage will not be included in the 2009 World Rally Championship calendar for the third time since the series began.

Moreover, starting in two years, every stage on the race calendar will alternate each year. This will include as many locations as possible in the series each year without overcrowding the calendar and putting additional stress on the teams.

So, if this year there were 16 rally stages in the WRC, then next year it will be will be reduced to 15, and the 2009 and 2010 calendars will include only 12 rounds each. Below is the calendar for the 2009 season reported by autoblogs.

2009 FIA World Rally Championship:

Ireland 01-Feb

Norway 15-Feb

Cyprus 15-Mar

Portugal 05-Apr

Argentina 26-Apr

Italy 24-May

Greece 14-Jun

Poland 28-Jun

Finland 02-Aug

Australia 06-Sep

Spain 04-Oct

GB 25-Oct

Personally speaking, I believe that Monte Carlo is to the World Rally Championship what the Monaco Grand Prix is to Formula One, and consider it one of the most well-known rally stages in the world. Monte Carlo stage will be included in 2010, and I can’t wait to enjoy the race then.

Photo: © Alain Cachat

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