Malaysia adds name to WRC hopefuls.

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 already 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 benefits for both parties, with the sponsor able to provide competition miles on roads within its thousands of hectares 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 the 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 national 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 round five of the 2006 Asia Pacific Rally Championship.