The streets of Coventry could soon be experiencing international motorsport as part of the renowned MotoFest event, which kicks off today (Friday 31 May) and runs throughout the weekend.
Next year could see a round of the FIA World Rallycross Championship take place on a unique sprint course, created from Coventry’s ring road.
Discussions between the organisers of MotoFest Coventry and the FIA World Rallycross promoters are said to be at an “advanced” phase.
This weekend sees the tenth anniversary of MotoFest Coventry, with a host of events taking place in the centre of the West Midlands city.
Motorsport in the heart of the West Midlands
An FIA World Rallycross Championship round would be hosted as part of the MotoFest Coventry event, operating alongside existing sprint races and drift events.
Last year saw an FIA World Rallycross event take place in the heart of Hong Kong, demonstrating the appeal of bringing motorsport into the city.
The 2024 FIA World Rallycross Championship sees all-electric RX1e competing against sustainably-fuelled combustion cars for the first time.
Although the UK has hosted rounds of the Formula E championship, there has been no permanent street circuit hosting motorsport since the Birmingham Superprix. Held between 1986 and 1990, this saw single seaters, touring cars, and sports car racing on urban roads.
Getting all the pieces in place
A potential course layout has already been drafted, with help from Kevin Hansen, runner-up in the 2023 FIA World Rallycross Championship. Before moving further forward, consultation will take place with local residents and key stakeholders.
James Noble, MotoFest Coventry Festival Director, said: “MotoFest Coventry is hugely excited to have entered into advanced discussions with the FIA World Rallycross Championship promoter to host a World RX round at our 2025 festival weekend.
“We have made no secret in the past of our ambition to stage competitive motorsport on Coventry Ring Road and having successfully delivered closed-road time trials, we are now driving forward with the next phase of that plan.
“With a track design drawn up 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 more than 200,000 visitors, and is estimated to bring £10 million to the local economy.