Portugal’s return to the World Rallycross calendar will have to wait another year following the announcement of the cancellation of the Montalegre event scheduled for October 10-11.
After being dropped for 2019, the fan favorite event returned to the schedule for this year. It was originally set to be the second round of the season, taking place on May 2-3, but following the calendar reshuffle brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, it was moved to its October date.
However, coronavirus concerns have now led to the 2020 event being pulled.
Circuito Internacional de Montalegre said in a statement: “Taking into account the continuing global health concerns regarding COVID-19, the current evolution of the pandemic in Portugal, the new State of Contingency imposed by the Portuguese authorities as of September 15, which brings new limitations to international travel and stricter rules for mass events, the World Rallycross of Portugal 2020, which would take place at the Montalegre International Circuit on 10 and 11 October, unfortunately it will not happen this year.
“The health and safety of everyone involved remains a priority as we navigate these unprecedented circumstances.
“We look forward to welcoming pilots, teams and fans to the Montalegre International Circuit for this world class event in 2021.”
Montalegre’s cancellation as a result of the ongoing pandemic comes after events in Norway, France, Abu Dhabi, and South Africa were also pulled, while World RX’s inaugural visit to Russia was scrapped ahead of the season for unrelated reasons.
