World RX to race at iconic Spa-Franchorchamps in 2019

PHOTO CREDIT: FIA World Rallycross.

Belgium’s legendary Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps will join the FIA World Rallycross Championship from 2019 in a new five-year deal, with the quickest rallycross drivers on the planet set to tackle one of the most iconic corners in the sport – Eau Rouge.

“We are thrilled to be able to confirm our new agreement with Spa-Francorchamps," said James Taylor, Vice President, Rallycross at IMG. "If you ask any motorsport driver or fan to name their favourite circuits, Spa would be up there every time. Some of the greatest drivers in the history of the sport have won at this iconic venue, from Ayrton Senna to Michael Schumacher and Jim Clark, and now some of rallycross’ finest are set to add their names to that impressive roll call."

The Spa FIA World Rallycross of Benelux date and track layout is due to be revealed later this year. The event will take place on a purpose-built track incorporating Eau Rouge – a fast, challenging corner whose fame has gone down in motorsport folklore.

With today's announcement its quite evident that promoters IMG are aiming to grow the sport internationally, having added Circuit of the Americas (Texas) and the 2019 season opener in Abu Dhabi.  .  

The traditional Rallycross circuits are making way for bigger international venues, which will not go down well with traditionalists, but the rights holders have a bigger picture in mind. Growth and making the event more fan friendly (additional space). Earlier this year, World RX promoters IMG parted ways with RUMESM to host the World RX of Belgium, at the purpose built Mettet circuit. 

“The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is delighted to welcome the Benelux round of the FIA World Rallycross Championship next year," said Nathalie Maillet, CEO, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. "Rallycross is a new discipline for our circuit and fits perfectly with our strategy, which consists of welcoming major new events and new fans, while continuing to nurture our existing ones. It also underscores the international appeal of our circuit and proves that our committed diversification efforts are paying off.”