World Rallycross could be coming to Coventry city centre!

The streets of Coventry could soon experience international motorsport as part of the renowned MotoFest event, which starts today (Friday 31 May) and runs throughout the weekend.

Next year there could be a round of the FIA ​​World Rallycross Championship on a unique sprint course created from Coventry’s ring road.

Talks between organizers MotoFest Coventry and promoters FIA World Rallycross are said to be at an “advanced” stage.

This weekend marks the tenth anniversary of MotoFest Coventry, with a series of events taking place in the West Midlands city centre.

Motorsport in the heart of the West Midlands

A round of the FIA ​​World Rallycross Championship will be hosted as part of the MotoFest Coventry event, which operates alongside the existing sprint races and drift events.

Last year an FIA World Rallycross event was held in the heart of Hong Kong, demonstrating the appeal of bringing motorsport to the city.

The 2024 FIA World Rallycross Championship sees the all-electric RX1e compete with sustainable combustion cars for the first time.

Although Great Britain has hosted rounds of the Formula E championship, there has been no permanent street circuit to host motorsport since the Birmingham Superprix. Held between 1986 and 1990, it featured single seater, touring car and sports car racing on city roads.

Put all the pieces in place

A potential route has already been drawn up, with the help of 2023 FIA World Rallycross Championship runner-up Kevin Hansen. Before moving forward, consultation will take place with local residents and key stakeholders.

James Noble, Festival Director of MotoFest Coventry, said: “MotoFest Coventry is very pleased to have entered into advanced discussions with the promoter of the FIA ​​World Rallycross Championship to host a World RX round on our festival weekend in 2025.

“We have made no secret in the past of our ambition to stage competitive motorsport on the Coventry Ring Road and, having successfully delivered the closed road time trials, we are now moving forward with the next phase of this plan.

“With a track design developed by Driven International, we are close to having all the pieces in place for this ambitious project.”

A round of the FIA ​​World Rally Championship would add to the success already seen by MotoFest Coventry.

The free-to-attend event attracts over 200,000 visitors and is estimated to bring £10 million to the local economy.