WRC and IRC to merge?

FIA president Jean Todt has quelled rumors of a merger between the World Rally Championship and the Intercontinental Rally Challenge. Autosport.com reports that the rumors surfaced earlier this season as the possibility of both championships including the Monte Carlo Rally in their schedules was reported in the media.

But Todt said there was no news to report on the matter, adding that he would like to see the Monte Carlo Rally back on the WRC calendar.

“From what I know, there is only one World Rally Championship category and it's not the responsibility of the FIA, except on sporting rules and security and safety, to be involved in other series," he said.

“The IRC is doing a good job, but they have nothing to do with the FIA [World Rally] Championship. [The IRC is] a completely private, commercial series.

"Considering Monte Carlo, I must say, personally, I am sorry Monte Carlo is not in the WRC. And it's a decision for the Automobile Club de Monaco. [The decision] belongs totally to them and I can hope that in the future they accept the invitation of the FIA to be included in the World Rally calendar."