GB Rally organisers defiant

The time trial in Wales courted particular controversy in 2003

Rally of Great Britain organisers say they have not been approached with a threat to downgrade their event by motorsport's governing body the FIA.

The status of the rally will be up for discussion at a world motorsport council meeting in Monaco in December.

And a proposal to confer "observer status" on the event will be heard.

But a statement from Rally GB confirmed they have not been made aware of these plans: "Rally GB can confirm that it has not received any notification."

The Rally of Great Britain was criticised after top drivers were fined for speeding on public roads during the 2003 event.

GB Rally under threat

A court duly fined four former champions, including Britons Colin McRae and Richard Burns, Spain's Carlos Sainz and Finland's Tommi Makinen.

The rally's timed special stages in Wales are held on Forestry Commission land but drivers have to use public roads and motorways to get to them from the service park.

Rally GB will be working extremely closely with the FIA safety delegate during the planning for the 2004 Wales Rally GB to ensure that all concerns are addressed Rally GB statement

Rally GB Limited said it accepted the FIA's concerns about the speeding fines.

"Rally GB Limited does recognise the concerns raised by the FIA regarding policing of speed limits on the roads in Wales," a statement read.

"We will be working extremely closely with the FIA safety delegate during the planning for the 2004 Wales Rally GB to ensure that all concerns are addressed."

The rally is due to move from its season-ending November slot to September next year.

But as an "observer" event, it would not earn drivers points towards the world championship, which would severely diminish its importance.