Rally Sweden passes FIA inspection

Rally Sweden has been given the go-ahead following an FIA inspection as the event came under threat from unseasonably warm weather.

The rally organisers have been sweating over the 2020 round due to warm conditions melting the snow and ice across the planned stages of the all-snow event in the Varmland region in Sweden and the Norwegian border.

Following an inspection by FIA sporting delegate Timo Rautiainen, conditions have been deemed suitable between the governing body, WRC promoters, Rally Sweden organisers and WRC manufacturers with a route proposal agreed.

The rally will include action across all four days with a modified itinerary including 180km of stage action to be finalised by organisers. Full championship points will be awarded.

“It’s fantastic to be able to confirm Rally Sweden will go ahead,” said event CEO Glenn Olsson.

“Many people have worked extremely hard over the last few days so that we can reach this position, and I’m delighted that fans, TV viewers and competitors will be able to enjoy one of the WRC’s most spectacular and fastest fixtures.”

In 2016 only 12 of the 21 scheduled stages were completed due to a lack of snow and unsafe conditions. The following year Rally Sweden’s route was adjusted to 12 stages, but still covered the full distance required, before returning to a more familiar programme in 2018.

Last year Ott Tanak clinched victory for Toyota Gazoo Racing ahead of Esapekka Lappi for Citroen.

Thierry Neuville leads the early 2020 WRC standings after winning the opening round Rallye Monte Carlo and claiming full Power Stage points.

The FIA also faces a decision on Formula 1’s Chinese Grand Prix as it continues to monitor the coronavirus situation in the country.