The immense and far-reaching benefits delivered by Wales Rally GB were exponential year on year, with economic and educational rewards generated by the staging of the UK’s annual round of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC).
2019’s final figures showcased the full extent of the event with £10m of positive economic gains brought to the region as well as dramatic television coverage showcasing Wales’ spectacular scenery and its adventure sports attractions to audiences in more than 150 countries, the WRC never fails to perform on many different levels.
Between 2013 and 2019, the rally also raised more than £250,000 for local charities and good causes while the rally also inspired many thousands of students studying STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects at schools in the neighbouring counties.
Other significant numbers include the rally’s massive global reach on its busy social media platforms as record attendance by motorsport fans from around the world. In 2019 more than 100,000 visitors were captivated by the raw excitement generated by the latest breed of WRC cars crewed by the world’s best drivers drawn from no fewer than 27 different countries.
“The 2019 world championship rally was a huge success on so many different levels,” confirmed Hugh Chambers, Chief Executive of Motorsport UK, organiser of Rally UK. “These cars are the fastest the sport has ever seen and, thus, in themselves an enormous attraction. This appeal, in turn, creates huge interest and substantial economic activity throughout the regions it visits. Whether it’s hoteliers, shop keepers, garage owners or the many local business that play a vital part in the successful staging of a world championship event, there are so many winners when the WRC entertains. Wales, was also a big winner with its many attractions showcased to audiences around the world.”
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Relive the 2019 event
Estonian Ott Tänak gave Toyota its first Wales Rally GB win since 1996 by storming to victory at the gruelling four-day event (3-6 October).
What is the WRC?
Widely regarded as the most challenging motor sport competition on the planet, the globe-trotting series sees crews battle it out on some of the most unforgiving terrains and enduring extreme weather conditions, to be crowned the world’s greatest driver and co-driver.
Past Winners
The previous winners of the UK’s premier rally reads like a who’s who in the world of motorsport. From humble beginnings, the rally began with adventurous pre-war drivers setting off around the country in road going sports cars and saloons.