The FIA World Rallycross Championship presented by Monster Energy will continue to expand its horizons in 2019, with the new calendar including two spectacular new venues on the eagerly-anticipated schedule. Building on the success of World RX’s first five seasons and the burgeoning momentum behind the series, the 2019 calendar will incorporate 11 rounds across four continents. Along the way, it will visit some of the world’s most synonymous and historic rallycross tracks, while introducing two exciting new challenges in the shape of Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit and the legendary Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium. The season will begin in Abu Dhabi – the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – at Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island on 5/6 April, breaking new ground as the first competitive rallycross event ever to be held in the Middle East. The rallycross track will utilise part of the distinctive Formula 1 circuit integrated into a challenging new layout, while the weekend will be a festival of entertainment including live music. The iconic Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will host round two on 27/28 April, before teams travel to Belgium for the inaugural Spa FIA World Rallycross of Benelux (11/12 May), where they will tackle a new, purpose-built track incorporating one of the most renowned corners in the sport – Eau Rouge. Following its well-received introduction last year, Silverstone’s Speedmachine Festival returns on 25/26 May. Competitors will then do battle at classic Scandinavian rallycross venues Hell (Norway) on 15/16 June and Höljes (Sweden) on 6/7 July. The cross-Atlantic trip to Trois-Rivières in Canada comes next on 3/4 August, followed by France’s legendary Lohéac circuit (31 August/1 September) and Riga’s state-of-the-art Biķernieki National Sports Base in Latvia on 14/15 September. World RX of USA at Texas’ Circuit of The Americas (COTA) will stage the penultimate round on 28/29 September, after its successful debut this year. The hugely popular Cape Town finale will then conclude the campaign in fine style in South Africa on 30 November/1 December. World RX Managing Director for IMG, Paul Bellamy, said: “We are delighted to reveal World RX’s provisional 2019 calendar. A tremendous amount of hard work has gone on behind-the-scenes to put together what we believe is a perfect blend of rallycross tradition and exciting new venues to truly challenge competitors and thrill fans. We are firmly focused on the future of the World Championship, and are confident that next season will mark another major step forward in the growth of rallycross’ biggest international series.” The continuing popularity of the FIA European Rallycross Championship is rewarded with an expanded calendar now comprising six rounds – five in support of World RX, complemented by a new standalone event at Germany’s Estering (Buxtehude), the oldest track on the schedule. See separate release for further details and dates. The 2019 RX2 Series calendar will be released at a later date. 2019 World RX Calendar 1. Abu Dhabi – Yas Marina – 5/6 April 2. Spain – Barcelona – 27/28 April 3. Belgium – Spa-Francorchamps – 11/12 May 4. Great Britain – Silverstone – 25/26 May 5. Norway – Hell – 15/16 June 6. Sweden – Höljes – 6/7 July 7. Canada – Trois-Rivières – 3/4 August 8. France – Lohéac – 31 August/1 September 9. Latvia – Riga – 14/15 September 10. USA – Austin – 28/29 September 11. South Africa – Cape Town – 30 November/1 December