The 2020 Rallynuts Stages Rally, planned for April 18, is the latest casualty of coronavirus in Mid Wales.

The Builth Wells-based rally, organised by Midland Manor Motor Club, has been postponed following the latest directive from the sport’s governing body, Motorsport UK, which has suspended all organising permits with immediate effect.

The provisional new date for the rally is August 8. Organisers have been closely monitoring the coronavirus pandemic and the implications of running the popular gravel rally, which was set to attract a top quality entry to the Mid Wales forests.

Motorsport UK has temporarily suspended all motorsport permits due to the potential increased virus risk to competitors, officials, spectators and communities.

Joint clerks of the course, Chris and Keith Ashley, said: “The health and wellbeing of everyone is paramount. We are working with our championships, stakeholders and key officials to potentially run on August 8 and we need to ensure it is an agreeable solution for all.

“I’d like to thank the hard-working officials and organising team for everything they have done for the rally and our sponsors Rallynuts for their unrivalled support. We look forward to seeing everyone later in the year.”

The rally will refund paid up entries and confirmation of the new date will be announced in due course.

The event is a round of the MRF Tyres BTRDA Rally Series, Pirelli Motorsport UK Welsh Rally Championship, The West Wales Rally Spares HRCR Stage Masters Rally Challenge, the Brian Dennis Motorsport/Marsh Commercial Welsh Historic Rally Championship and the Independent Paint Supplies Rally Challenge.