RALLY AUSTRALIA CANCELLED

Rally Australia cancelled due to bushfires – Photo: LAT

The Australian round of the World Rally Championship has been cancelled, due to the evolving and increasing bushfire risk that is currently affecting the Coffs Harbour region.

By DAN McCARTHY

The decision to call-off Rally Australia was taken this morning however an official statement is being prepared and expected to be released this afternoon at 4pm AEDT.

A meeting was scheduled to place at that time, but due to the quickly worsening situation teams met this morning and agreed that boycotting the event was the only option. A vote was taken and all teams unanimously decided to boycott the 2019 edition of the event.

All residents in and around Coffs Harbour have been urged by the Rural Fire Service (RFS) to evacuate the area.

“Considering the best interests and safety of everyone involved in the rally and of course the wider community, it is not appropriate to conduct the rally,” said Event chairman Andrew Papadopoulos.

“Our thoughts are with the NSW community, especially the people who have lost loved ones, livelihoods and homes as a result of the fires in northern NSW, and we thank the rally community for your support and understanding.”

Yesterday Rally Australia released a significantly shortened schedule of events which would have seen the rally be cut from 323 competitive kilometres to 90km.

The cuts to the stages came after the Australian Rally Championship decided against attending the event.

The cancellation of the event sees Korean manufacturer Hyundai claim the 2019 manufacturers’ title.

For more of the latest motorsport news pick up the current issue of Auto Action. Also make sure you follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or our weekly email newsletter for all the latest updates between issues.