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Rally Australia boss Ben Rainsford is committed to avoiding future clashes with V8 Supercars’ Sandown 500 after confirmation that the events remain on a collision course for 2015.
Following the release of both the 2015 WRC and V8 Supercars calendars on Friday, the Coates Hire Rally Australia and the Sandown 500 will clash from September 11-13 next year.
It will mark the third year in succession that the two events have shared the same weekend.
Rally organisers are concerned about the potential damage a continual conflict between the two events will have and are working to ensure 2016 will see a separation of weekends.
“We started working on that some time ago so we are pushing very aggressively to make sure there is no clash in 2016,” Rally Australia chairman Ben Rainsford told Speedcafe.com.
“I would prefer to bring it in for next year but the calendar is done now.
“Being on the same weekend as Sandown is not ideal, also I’m mindful there are some weekends we cannot move to due to other commitments.”
Next year’s clash will also have ramifications for Rally Australia broadcaster Network Ten.
The Sandown 500 is one of just six events scheduled to be televised live and in full by the free-to-air network next season.
Rainsford told Speedcafe.com that he would be happy for the WRC to host its final round in Australia later in the year, which was the case a couple of times previously.
The last time Rally Australia host the final round of the WRC was in 2005 when Francois Duval took victory.
“In fact our preference would be to host the last round, as our summer is a very appealing place compared to a European winter,” said Rainsford.
“We know that from the past when the rally was in Perth and it was the last round teams would stay on a bit longer.
This year has seen Rally Australia undergo several changes, including a new service park just south of the town, along with the introduction of a revamped 1.58km Super Special stage, featuring improved access for spectators.
“We made some changes after last year with a few enhancements for both the crews and spectators have received those well,” added Rainsford .
“We would like to base ourselves at Coffs for the long term.”
Reigning event winner Sebastien Ogier leads Rally Australia heading into its final leg today, while Jamie Whincup and Paul Dumbrell will start their bid for consecutive Sandown 500 victories from pole position.
