Rally Ireland 2009!

Not only has Rally Ireland secured its place on the 2009 WRC calendar, but it will be the season opener - running from 29th Jan to 1st Feb. I was proud to be involved in the running of this year's event, and I'm looking forward to returning in thirteen months time. I'm sure most of the drivers are too, it's an event which challenges them to the extreme and I'm certain we'll be in for more drama.

So what do you think? Are there any stages you would leave out for 2009, and can you suggest any alternatives? And while it's a cross-border event, would we be showing off Ireland to the world in a better way if we didn't use a 50/50 north/south split? Your thoughts please! :)

I see the FAI have just announced that Rally Ireland will host the opening round of the 2009 WRC. I guess that means Rally Ireland is the new Monte for '09! What a superb opportunity. Well done Ronan Morgan and team. Roll on Jan/Feb'09:rotate:

I see the FAI have just announced that Rally Ireland will host the opening round of the 2009 WRC.

I hope it's not the FAI (Football Association of Ireland :p ) making the announcement, they'll probably make a mess of it! :D