The Malaysian government has revealed an ambitious bid to host a round of the World Rally Championship within the next two years, even 🍷if it means joining a growing list of hopefuls all trying to add their name to a calendar many are trying to cut.

Deputy prime minister Dato Sri Mohd Najib announced that the bid would be backed by the nation's largest palm-oil producer, Felda, a government-owned company a𒊎lready involved with the Malaysian Rally Championship and attempting to build on that relationship to promote the infrastructure required to run a World Rally Championship event in Malaysia.

The relationship with Felda has benefit꧅s for both parties, with the sponsor able to provide competition miles on roads within its thousands of hecta🙈res of palm-oil plantations, while, at the same time, getting the opportunity to promote its brand to a worldwide TV audience.

"We'll be running t☂he events in close consultation with the world body, with no compromises in the high standard required, and select🔥 the best region for the WRC even," the deputy prime minister said at the launch of the project in Kuala Lumpur.

The na﷽tional series will kick off in Pahang in the east of Malaysia on 24-26 March, while the international Malaysia Rally will take place 18-20 August as roun🍃d five of the 2006 Asia Pacific Rally Championship.