WRC: Rally Sweden gets extended deal

Rally Sweden will remain on the World Rally Championship calendar for a further three years after agreeing a deal with WRC Promoter.

A severe lack of snow and cold temperatures earlier this week threatened to lead to this year's rally being canceled, with conditions unsuitable for the mandated studded tires used by competitors during Rally Sweden, which is the WRC's only winter rally.

A revised itinerary was issued last Monday and, after the arrival of sufficient snow and below-zero temperatures, 12 of the 13 stages on the reduced schedule went ahead this weekend, although the initial uncertainty about its go-ahead threw up fresh questions about the long-term viability of the rally.

Rally Sweden's current contract expires this year, but just a couple of hours after the conclusion of the 2016 event, which was won by Sebastien Ogier, event officials confirmed that an agreement had been reached to extend its stay on the calendar until at least 2019.

"One week ago we were more dead than alive and couldn't see any future for the event," said Rally Sweden CEO Glenn Olsson. "Now, once again, we have managed to put on an amazing event and it is an amazing feeling to be able to confirm that we have agreed on a new three-year contract.

"We have an absolutely amazing organization that proves that we can pull through the hardest of times."

Originally on Autosport.com