President of the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), Max Mosley, will attend a lunch in Dublin and the official start of Rally Ireland at Stormont Castle on 15th November next.

President Mosley's visit is most welcome as he has provided much encouragement to Motorsport Ireland throughout the long and sometimes difficult process of gaining a round of the FIA World Rally Championship for Ireland.

Commenting on his visit President Mosley said:

"Ireland is particularly suited to hosting an event at the top level of rallying as it offers a unique cross-border course with varied terrain and stunning scenery.

'I am looking forward to attending the first ever FIA World Championship event in the region."

Rally Ireland will be the largest sporting event in Ireland this year with 150,000 spectators expected over the four days (15-18 November) of the event. Rally headquarters will be at the Clarion Hotel in Sligo with the Service Park nearby.

The route takes the event to counties Fermanagh, Tyrone, Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal, Cavan, and Roscommon.