North America is likely to host a round of the World Rally Championship soon as the sport attempts to continue its rapid expansion globally. The 2001 Championship, won by British driver Richard Burns in a Subaru yesterday and manufacturers Peugeot, currently has 14 rounds, with Argentina the sole venue on the American continent.
With most of the events confined to Europe, WRC organisers are anxious to continue the development of the sport elsewhere. Australia, New Zealand and Kenya successfully hosted rounds of this year's championship and given the authorities the confidence to look elsewhere for possible venues. China, with its enormous untapped market, has been visited in the past and there has also been some talk of taking a round to neighbours Japan.
Filed by Shane Murray
