Ott Tänak will have a home World Rally Championship round for at least the next two years as the Rally Estonia organizer has concluded a deal with WRC Promoter to remain in the WRC for 2022.
Rally Estonia was a WRC promotional event in both 2018 and 2019, but became a fully blown world championship round in 2020 in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
The rally was widely acknowledged as one of the best organized of the season and was won by home hero Tänak.
Due to its success, the rally organizer was initially rewarded with a place on the 2021 calendar, but that agreement has now been extended by another year to include 2022.
WRC Promoter Jona Siebel explained what had convinced the promoter and the FIA to extend its deal with Rally Estonia.
“First of all, it was an outstanding event so I would say the performance of the last year was one key aspect for our decision,” Siebel said.
“And I would say the second factor is the passion, passion especially of the Estonian WRC fans, that’s really, really great. It could be that you have a former World champion in Ott and Martin, that helps your passion.
“At the end of the day it’s all about commitment and it’s our understanding that everybody’s committed. The organizers, the government, the fans, all of Estonia are committed.
“Two years is a key signal from our side, from the FIA to the WRC Promoter, it fits.”
This year’s Rally Estonia is round seven of the series, and will run from July 15-18.
