Reindeer forces Rally Sweden to cancel two WRC stages
A herd of reindeer has forced the organizers of Rally Sweden to cancel two stages of next week’s World Championship round in rally.
Officials have today confirmed that the two passes through the 20.49 km long Ortrask will be removed from the rally’s itinerary due to reindeer grazing in the area, which can not be moved safely.
Ortrask would host stages 9 and 13 of the rally on Saturday and as a result of the situation they will not be replaced, which means that the rally will now be competed over 17 competition stages instead of the originally prescribed 19 tests.
“Unfortunately, due to unexpected reindeer movements caused by the prevailing weather, farmers have come back to us to say that the supply is no longer available,” says Rally Sweden’s CEO Glenn Olsson.
“While a number of solutions have been offered and considered by both parties, we have unfortunately not been able to find a solution to allow the scene to take place. It is a late decision but it reflects the determined efforts of everyone involved to avoid this situation.
“Moving a WRC event to a new location is a difficult and complicated logistical process, planning and consultation process for society,” Olsson added.
“This move reflects a clear recognition from the organizers and the WRC community that there are environmental factors that can affect our access to rural areas. It is a fact that we must, and do, respect.
“Enormous amounts of community work have taken place over a long period of time to deliver a successful rally for competitors and fans, but unfortunately in this case we accept that the roads in this area are not available for 2022.”
Stock Photo from Arctic Rally 2021. Guilty reindeer not pictured.
Photo by: Toyota
This year, the traditional snow rally in Rally Sweden returns to the WRC calendar after the round was removed from the 2021 schedule due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This year it has come back with a new host for Umeå.
WRC organizer Simon Larkin added: “The WRC organizer and the FIA respect Rally Sweden’s decision. The move north to Umeå is a positive step for the rally and we are convinced of a successful event next week and a long-term future in the region. ”
Rally Sweden will start next Friday with Toyota’s Kalle Rovanpera, who is third in the championship after Monte Carlo, who will open the way to be the highest placed driver in the championship in the competition.