Following the news that the Ypres Rally will not go ahead next month, World Rallycross’ event at Spa-Francorchamps on the same weekend has been called off.
World RX’s second visit to the Belgian Grand Prix venue was originally set to take place on May 16-17 but was pushed back, along with the rest of the series’ schedule, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
It was then moved to October 3-4 before the date of November 21-22 was settled.
A statement issued by the circuit said: “The current health situation in Belgium and throughout Europe has forced the organizers into taking this joint decision.
“The Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps, IMG and the FIA are in fact very mindful of the progression or development of the pandemic and the extremely tense situation in the hospitals.
“Furthermore, the various restrictive measures taken recently by several governments, such as those relating to travel, make the situation extremely complicated for holding the Spa World Rallycross of Benelux.”
World RX of Benelux moved to Spa-Francorchamps last year after taking place at Mettet since the inaugural World Championship season in 2014. It made use of a new purpose-built track that encompassed the legendary Eau Rouge/Raidillon complex of the Grand Prix circuit.
Timur Timerzyanov claimed a popular maiden World RX win at the track last year, ahead of Andreas Bakkerud and wildcard driver Joni Wiman.
Spa CEO Nathalie Maillet added: “This decision is related to an exceptional situation and even if this saddens all the teams who have worked so hard to hold this second edition, announced last week moreover to be held behind closed doors following the deterioration in the public health situation, our priority is and will remain the health of safety of everyone.”
The circuit’s official communication stated that the series will return for a postponed second visit to the Spa circuit in 2021.
The axing of the penultimate round of the season means that just one event remains on the 2020 World RX schedule – its maiden visit to the Nürburgring.
With a maximum of 30 points available for a single championship round, Johan Kristoffersson’s current 27-point lead means that he’s well on course for a third title in four years.
