THE 2019 edition of the Wales Rally GB once again showcased the region among the elite of international rallying.

The four day event featured the iconic Mid Wales stages of Dyfi, Myherin, Hafren and Sweet Lamb as well as a popular regroup in Newtown on Saturday.

Such was the success of the event the threat of Wales losing the British round of the World Championship to another part of the country has been allayed with the 2020 event confirmed for Wales on October 28 to November 1.

Howard Watkins of Welshpool based Rally Marketing insisted common sense had prevailed.

“It would have been totally the wrong decision to take the rally elsewhere as some had suggested,” said Watkins. “Mid Wales has the best stages in Britain and the Wales rally GB has never been more popular.

“I have never seen so many spectators at Sweet Lamb as I did on Saturday.

“A lot of credit belongs with Natural Resources Wales which has invested in the infrastructure with spectators now able to utilise car parking and new paths.

“It is a great boost for the Mid Wales economy.”

The decision was confirmed by Motorsport UK.

Chief executive officer Hugh Chambers confirmed the 2019 edition had broken all records as rally fans from across the world continued their love affair with Wales Rally GB and its iconic Mid Wales stages.

“We are absolutely delighted to be back in Wales next year, even more so after all the hugely positive feedback we’ve already had to what was an incredible 2019 event," said Chambers.

"Every year we challenge ourselves to make our round of the World Rally Championship even better than the previous one and, now Wales has been confirmed for 2020, we can start striving for even more exciting innovations for the WRC’s return in little more than 12 months’ time."

Welsh deputy minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism Dafydd Elis Thomas added: “It was amazing to attend some of the stages of this year’s Wales Rally GB. It’s a great event, taking advantage of some of the stunning locations North and Mid Wales have to offer while showcasing these to a worldwide audience."

The 2019 event marked the end of road for former World Rally champions Petter Solberg and Abermule co-driver who were re-united to win the WRC2 class.

Dolgellau’s Elfyn Evans and co-driver Scott Martin ended fifth in the main event with Aberdyfi’s Tom Cave and co-driver Dale Furniss from Llanfyllin 11th and first all Welsh crew home.

Overall Wales Rally GB glory belonged to Estonian star Ott Tanak who extended his lead at the top of the championship standings with Thierry Neuville and Sebastien Ogier completing the podium.