The Manx Telecom Rally Isle of Man has been dropped from the British Rally Championship calendar for next year.

It follows the move of the event from its usual summer date to the end of October, so it can act as the finale of both the Dulux Trade MSA British Rally Championships and the Dunlop/Wanago MSA British Historic Rally Championship.

Organisers of the British Rally Championship are unhappy with the mid-summer break in their programme created by the change, and want Rally Isle of Man to return to its original time.

Chairman of the organising committee for the rally Brian Walton admits it's disappointing, and says he and his colleagues will work hard to secure a future for the event.