Mondello Park International Racing Circuit in the Irish Republic returns to the European Rallycross schedule.

At the recent launch of the 2013 European Rallycross Championship (ERC) there was good news for Irish Rallycross fans with the inclusion of Mondello Park on the provisional calendar.

The popular European series is set for a major boost next season with the appointment of global sports, fashion and media company IMG as its promoter and the announcement of a major sponsorship deal with Monster Energy. Mondello Park is included on the ten round 2013 calendar, but the event remains provisional subject to final agreement between IMG and Mondello, and circuit approval by the FIA.

The circuits inclusion marks the first time Ireland has been part of the European championship calendar since the mid nineties. During its previous stint at Mondello Park the Irish events were the undoubted highlight of the season, attracting spectator numbers which have rarely been matched since.

Speaking of the circuits inclusion in the provisional 2013 ERC calendar Mondello Park managing director John Morris said: “ We were approached by IMG with a view to running a round and it’s all looking very positive. Although we already have an FIA International Grade 4 Licence, this doesn’t cover Rallycross, but the required works to the Rallycross track shouldn’t prove insurmountable.

The growing popularity of the ERC and an August date for the Mondello event, mean that the circuits management are confident that the spectacular European Rallycross events of the past will be more than matched by the current championship.

The 2013 calendar is yet to be approved by the FIA but it is expected to be ratified in early December. Once the Mondello Park date is confirmed further details of the event format will be released.

Photo: Will Gollop and Rob Gibson (both MG Metro 6R4) pictured during the 1992 Irish ERC round at Mondello. © Eddi Laumanns/ERC24