Norway axed, Sweden delayed and Portugal returns in revised 2021 World RX calendar.

PHOTO CREDIT: FIA World Rallycross Championship.

The FIA World Rallycross Championship has today issued a revised calendar for the 2021 season due to the ever-changing global situation surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. 

The Norweigan round originally set to host the season opener for the 2021 season in mid-June has been canceled, but the season will now begin at Circuit de Catalunya-Barcelona in Spain on 23-24 July. 

"Earnest efforts were made by all parties to reach a resolution, but strict border restrictions and the lack of a suitable alternative date made it impossible to hold the event in 2021," the championships statement said.

Germany's Nürburgring will host rounds 2 and 3 (a double-header) at its new rallycross track based around the Müllenbachschleife amphitheater section of the illustrious circuit. Thereafter Höljes - the discipline's most iconic venue which was originally penciled in as round 2 has been delayed by seven weeks in hopes of accommodating a limited number of fans. 

"The challenges of the ongoing pandemic have required Rallycross Promoter GmbH to adopt a flexible and agile approach to respond to an ever-changing global situation," the championship statement adds.

"Following close consultation with event organizers and the relevant authorities in each of the host countries, an updated calendar has been put together that not only visits some of the best rallycross tracks in the world but also maximizes the likelihood of welcoming fans on-site where possible."

Thereafter, Lohéac in France, Riga in Latvia, and Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium will maintain all the dates as previously revised in March. 

Portugal's Montalegre track will host the final round of the 2021 campaign, returning after two years. 

“We all acknowledge the positive trend over the summer of the pandemic in Europe," Arne Dirks, Executive Director, Rallycross Promoter GmbH, said. "That’s why, after having liaised closely with our key stakeholders, we have taken the deliberate decision to delay the start of the campaign in the hope of being able to open the gates to fans at as many rounds as is feasible and safe, and have assembled what we believe is an irresistible blend of iconic rallycross tracks and state-of-the-art modern venues. We are confident we now have the best possible World RX calendar for 2021."

"To be able to confirm the return of Montalegre – a circuit that has always been a fan-favourite and never fails to offer World RX a warm welcome – is fantastic news for all concerned, and whilst we are obviously disappointed not to be able to race in Norway this year due to ongoing complications related to the pandemic, we are sure we will see Hell back on the calendar in the future as World RX races into a bright new era."

The first-ever FIA RX2e (electric) rallycross championship – will also join World RX in Spain, Germany, Sweden, France, and Belgium.