Support grows for Ireland's World Rally bid

More than 1,000 people have signed a petition to support Ireland’s bid to qualify for a round of the World Rally Championship from 2007.

The Editor of Motorsport News who set up the "Go Ireland" petition, Tim Bowdler, said: "With the strength of Irish rallying, we’re convinced that this can be a technically great event that grassroots fans will love and many UK fans will travel to.

"Our campaign is about conveying that message to the FIA, motorsport’s global governing body."

Rally Ireland Promoter Seán O’Connor said: "We’re delighted that over 1,000 people have signed up but would love to see more.

We’re asking people from all over the island of Ireland to show their support for Ireland’s qualification bid in a tangible way by signing the petition."

People can sign the petition by visiting www.motorsport-news.co.uk/goireland.