This year’s FIA World Rally Championship has prematurely ended.
It will not stage the 2019 season finale at Kennards Hire Rally Australia due to the serious bush fires affecting the New South Wales state close to the event’s Coffs Harbour base.
The organisers announced the news on Tuesday after widespread consultation with the State Government, the FIA, emergency services and the local community.
The New South Wales state is experiencing its worst fire conditions, resulting in the declaration of a state of emergency, a total fire ban and conditions in some regions classified as ‘catastrophic’.
Ott Tänak became the first Estonian to win the FIA World Rally Championship in a tense finale to Spain’s RallyRACC Catalunya – Rally de España.
It means Hyundai has won the manufacturers title in this year’s series.