FIA safety delegate reviews Rally Ireland course.

FIA safety delegate, Jacek Bartos visited the North West of Ireland Tuesday to review the course and safety procedures for Rally Ireland 2006.

Mr Bartos' visit to Ireland is an important step in the qualification process for Ireland, as the event bids to join the FIA World Rally Championship from 2007.

"Today is a critical day for Rally Ireland's qualification bid," confirmed Ronan Morgan, co-promoter of Rally Ireland.

"We need to fully satisfy the FIA that safety is a priority for the event and that all the safety procedures are in place and comply with FIA regulations."

The 2006 event, which runs from March 10-12, will be formally observed by the FIA, who will then use it to decide on Ireland's suitability for inclusion in the WRC calendar.

The decision is expected to be announced in the summer of 2006.