The Czech Republic will become the thirty-fifth country in World Cup history since 1973 to host a World Cup event. The joint competition of the national organizations of the Czech Republic, Germany and Austria will take place from 26 to 29 October.

The Central Europe Rally will start ceremoniously on Thursday in the square in front of Prague Castle, a special spectator stage in Strahov and Friday time sections in Klatovsk and Vimpersk. The rally center will be in Passau, Germany, less than 50 kilometers from the Czech border. The contract with the promoter was terminated for three years.

“We are witnessing a historic moment for Czech motorsport. This is a dream come true for many automotive enthusiasts who have been racing WRCs across Europe for decades.” stated the president of ACR, Jan Šťovíček, and went on to say: “It’s very important to us that the ceremony starts in Prague. Personally, I’d like it to happen in front of Prague Castle, but we’ll discuss that. There’s a risk that a state visit will fall on that day, and of course the train won’t go through.”

The opening spectator-only stage may take place in Strahov, where the Prague Rallye Sprint has been held for decades, most recently last Saturday. “We haven’t chosen the track yet. However, we live in the Prague area. Negotiations are just about to start.” said the general secretary of AČR auto and motor sport, Tomáš Kunc, and continued with the subject of the preliminary test: “We are expecting a large influx of spectators and we will build the track accordingly. But of course it won’t be a problem to find a compromise. It will mainly be a show. Racing will start on Friday.”

The Czech section of the rally will take place on Friday, the Austrian section on Saturday and the German section on Sunday. In the Czech Republic, the crew had to cover the largest number of measured kilometers, but without classic service. Only the tire changing zone will be available. “Promoters require us to drive at least 120 kilometers. We will try to choose tracks that are diverse and challenging.” said Kunc. The basis of the track should be special stages, which in the past were part of the Šumava Rally in the Klatov and Vimperka regions. Speed ​​test should probably be four. The competition director will be from Germany and will have two compatriots as representatives. The next two representatives are Czech and Austrian. “Everyone will be responsible for the running of the competition in their region. It will be organizationally faster.” added Tomáš Kunc.

The budget for the entire event should be 2.5 million euros, and the costs will be shared by the sporting authorities. Individual national federations will form trading companies for this event. “The budget is currently being made and I’m sure we will be able to reduce it. It is based on Rally Germany, which had a big budget. I am sure that we can supply a lot of goods cheaper than the German ADAC car club.” said Šťovíček.

President AČR believes that he will get the necessary funding on his part from the National Sports Agency, local and municipal governments. “We have started work unofficially. The National Sports Agency has allocated 250 million crowns for next year’s major sporting events, and in 2023, no major sporting events like this year’s EuroBasket will be held in the Czech Republic. I believe we will get support. This is an event that promotes tourism. This is a promotion not only for motorsport, but also for the republic,” adds Jan Šťovíček.