Poland will host a round of the World Rally Championship (WRC) next year. This will likely be the final piece of the puzzle in the 2024 calendar.
As previously reported, Poland was tipped to return to the WRC calendar. The Masurian gravel tracks were last represented in the championship in 2017. Poland has been struggling to return to the WRC since losing its place on the calendar due to repeated breaches of spectator safety.
Poland’s return was confirmed by rally organizers at the official opening of the event in Mikolajki, which was also attended by Polish ex-Formula 1 and rally driver Robert Kubica, reigning WRC2 champion Kajetan Kajetanowicz and his Polish rally rival Mikolaj Marczyk took part.
It has been confirmed that the rally, which has previously been part of the European Rally Championship calendar, will take place from June 27th to 30th.
With the confirmation of Poland’s inclusion in the WRC calendar for 2024, the calendar with 13 rounds should be set. Poland replaces Mexico, which is to be removed from the calendar.
WRC season begins in Monte Carlo
The WRC had originally hoped Saudi Arabia and the US could host rounds next year, but both events have been shelved until 2025, as has a possible return to Argentina.
As announced at the beginning of the year, Latvia will make its WRC debut next year. The gravel rally is being upgraded from the ERC and replacing Estonia.
The calendar is expected to be officially ratified at the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council meeting scheduled for October 19.
However, it has already been confirmed that the season will begin in Monte Carlo (January 22nd to 28th), with the event no longer being based in Monte Carlo but in the Gap region.
A trip to Sweden is expected to follow. The third round will be held in Kenya and not in June as before. Other stops on the calendar include Croatia, Portugal, Sardinia, Poland, Latvia, Finland, Greece, Chile, Central Europe and Japan.