FIA Safety delegate visit Ireland

FIA SAFETY DELEGATE VISITS IRELAND TO REVIEW RALLY IRELAND 2006 COURSE

VITAL STEP IN IRELAND'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFICATION BID

The Safety Delegate from motorsports' world governing body, the Federation International de l'Automobile (FIA), Mr Jacek Bartos, from Poland, is today (Tuesday, 5th December) visiting the North West of Ireland to review the course and safety procedures of Rally Ireland 2006.

The FIA will determine whether Ireland will qualify for a round of the World Rally Championship (WRC) on an annual basis from 2007. Mr Bartos' visit to Ireland is an important step in the qualification process. The 2006 Rally will be formally observed by the FIA which will decide on Ireland's suitability for inclusion in the WRC calendar. The decision is expected to be announced in the summer of 2006.

"Today is a critical day for Rally Ireland's qualification bid. We need to fully satisfy the FIA that safety is a priority for the event and that all the safety procedures are in place and comply with FIA regulations," said Ronan Morgan, Co-Promoter of Rally Ireland.

Rally Ireland 2006 will take place from 10th to 12th March 2006 in counties Donegal, Fermanagh, Leitrim, Sligo and Tyrone.

-Rally Ireland