Austria to Host Opening Round of FIA European Rally Championship in 2013

The Jännerrallye in Austria will open the all-new FIA European Rally Championship in 2013 after its organisers agreed terms with new ERC promoter Eurosport Events.

Based in the town of Freistadt near Linz, the snow event will open the new season in early January as crews battle for glory on the challenging hilly asphalt stages, traditionally coated in snow and ice at that time of year.

Next year’s ERC will feature rounds on all three surfaces – snow, gravel and asphalt – and a number of rally organisers are holding discussions with Eurosport Events as they work to secure a slot on the exciting new calendar for 2013.

“One of the biggest, yet most exciting challenges we face as the new promoter of the ERC is the formalisation of the calendar for 2013,” François Ribeiro, Motorsport Development Director of Eurosport Events, said. “We are delighted to open ERC 2013 in winter conditions with an established event such as the Jännerrallye. Starting the new-look ERC with a snow rally is going to be very exciting for all our teams, drivers, partners, fans and viewers. 

“Over the next few weeks we’ll close negotiations for the remaining ERC rounds before the complete 2013 schedule goes to the FIA Rallies Commission and FIAWorld Motor Sport Council for ratification.”

Jännerrallye promoter Ferdinand Staber said: “We’re delighted to have reached an agreement with Eurosport Events to continue in the ERC in 2013. Being part of the ERC for the first time this year was a huge boost for our event but the opportunity to work with the new ERC promoter, Eurosport Events, at the start of an exciting period for the ERC is even more significant. We look forward to a fruitful partnership with Eurosport Events and a very successful rally.”

Jan Kopecky won this year’s Jännerrallye on its first appearance in the ERC, finishing ahead of Skoda team-mate Juho Hanninen.