Eurosport Events, the promoter of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, is proud to announce the 2009 IRC calendar, which will be presented to the FIA World Motorsport Council on December 12.

The 2009 IRC calendar features 12 rounds (*), continuing the tried and trusted formula of combining well-known classic rallies with new events in emerging markets. Next year, there is a roughly 50-50 mix of asphalt and gravel rallies, as well as five exciting new events joining the existing line-up. The changes reflect the increasing prominence of the IRC in world motorsport, following yet another successful and highly-competitive season this year.

The 2009 series will start with the world famous Monte Carlo Rally in January: the oldest and most prestigious event in the history of the sport. Other events joining the IRC calendar this year for the first time include the all-new Rally of Curitiba in Brazil, the Sata Rally Acores in Portugal, the Rally Japan and finally the RAC MSA Rally of Scotland in the United Kingdom.

Geraldine Filiol, Managing Director of Eurosport Events, commented: “The IRC has taken a number of major steps forward throughout 2008, with the levels of competition and ground-breaking live television coverage underlining the spectacular rise in the profile of the series. For 2009, we are embarking on our most ambitious season yet. Not only do we start the year with the legendary Monte Carlo Rally – which is an emblematic event on the world sporting calendar – but we visit the South American continent for the first time, making the IRC a truly global series that is accessible to everyone.”

Following the final round of this year’s season in China from December 5-7, the 2008 IRC champions will be presented with their trophies at the official IRC prize-giving ceremony in Paris on December 15.

2009 IRC PROVISIONAL CALENDAR:

• 21-24 January          Monaco                        Monte Carlo Rally (a)
• 05-07 March            Brazil                           Rally Internacional de Curitiba (g)
• 03-04 April               Kenya (TBC) (*)            Safari Rally (g)
• 07-09 May               Portugal                       Sata Rally Acores (a)
• 18-20 June              Belgium                        Ypres Westhoek Rally (a)
• 09-11 July               Russia.                         Rally Russia (g)
• 30 July-01 August    Madeira                        Rali Vinho Madeira (a)
• 21-23 August           Czech Republic            Barum Rally Zlin (a)
• 10-12 September     Spain Rally                   Principe de Asturias (a)
• 24-26 September     Italy                              Rally Sanremo (a)
• 22-24 October         Japan (**)                      Rally Japan (g)
• 19-21 November      United Kingdom             RAC MSA Rally of Scotland (g)