The World Rallycross Championship has spread its reach with a new event in Latvia drafted onto the 2016 calendar.

To be held in the capital city of Riga, the event has struck a multi-year deal with the Bikernieki National Sports Base circuit.

Work to bring the venue, commissioned in 1966, up to specification has commenced through the support of the Latvian Government and CSDD (Road Traffic Safety Directorate of the Ministry of Transport).

The deal will see a 1295m (780m of asphalt and 515m of gravel) rallycross track constructed.

The Joker Lap will be situated at the end of the circuit with the layout to include three jumps.

RA Events director Raimonds Strokss said: “I am extremely proud that my team has been given the chance to be a pivotal part of World RX and to help promote the Championship to new heights.

“To bring a round of World RX to Latvia is spectacular news for us, especially at a time when the Championship is growing rapidly in terms of global recognition and when two of our drivers – Reinis Nitiss and Janis Baumanis are doing so well in the standings.”

Defending champion Petter Solberg leads standings on 159 points going into the next round of the Championship in Canada on August 7.