The Circuit of Ireland is back significantly enhanced for 2014 with the announcement today that the iconic rally is one of 12 set to feature in next year’s revamped FIA European Rally Championship calendar.

Scheduled to take place during its traditional Easter Week-end slot on 18-19 April, the Circuit of Ireland Rally is being billed as one of the 2014 Championship’s ‘flagship events’. Subject to final approval by the FIA, motorsport’s world governing body, it makes its return to the ERC roster after a lengthy absence.

The Circuit of Ireland will be the only UK and Ireland based round in the Championship. Route details will be outlined early next year but it’s anticipated that the action packed two-day rally will include some of Northern Ireland’s top tourism landmarks in counties Down and Antrim as well as locations in Belfast.

Broadcast by Eurosport, the 2014 Circuit of Ireland Rally is expected to attract in excess of 10 million viewers globally as well as thousands of spectators and team officials who will accompany the international competitors. 

Circuit of Ireland event director Bobby Willis said he was thrilled that the locally organised rally will be back in business and at the premium end of the international rally arena for 2014:

“The management team as well as our 700 plus volunteers are extremely proud and excited to be part of a new look ERC programme. The world’s second oldest rally the Circuit of Ireland Rally has always attracted high profile competitors and our inclusion in the 2014 ERC programme will help draw some of the best in the sport to Northern Ireland.