Lydden is first for FIA

The ‘Home of Rallycross’ Lydden Hill Race Circuit has become the first event organiser to agree terms to host a round of the new FIA Rallycross Championship in 2013. In  a statement issued today (below) the circuit confirmed that it had done a deal with championship promoter IMG that would keep the British event at the popular kent venue for five years.

Lydden signs-up for FIA series

Lydden Hill has become the first event organiser to sign-up for the 2013 FIA Rallycross Championship. The ‘Home of Rallycross’ agreed terms with FIA championship promoter IMG earlier this week. The championship calendar will be composed by IMG and presented to the FIA World Motor Sports Council, but at present it is expected that Lydden will retain its traditional Easter date for the opening round of the championship.

“I had a couple of meetings with IMG and can see the benefits in what it will bring to the championship. We all believe that Rallycross is a great sport otherwise we would not be doing what we are doing but you also have to accept that things have to change sometimes and that if Rallycross is going to progress and take its place as a sport with world wide following, it cannot continue as it is now. The change in racing format is an exciting new challenge for everyone,” said Lydden Hill Race Circuit Managing Director Willie Woods, “The biggest change for circuits and event organisers is the chance to secure a longer term deal, that allows us to plan ahead, to continue improving the circuit with the confidence of knowing we have that big event here for the next five years, we have not had that security before. Everyone at Lydden is looking forward to working with IMG and sharing in the success of the FIA Rallycross Championship.”

Since regaining a European Rallycross Championship event in 2009, Lydden has quickly re-established itself as a key part of the series, the British round popular with drivers. Lydden hosted the opening round of the 2012 championship with its Monster Energy International Rallycross Festival.

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