If i were king for a day, there are some changes i would like to make to the way world rallying is run. There is nothing wrong with the basic format of the cars - with turbos and four-wheel drive - but they could be made a lot better by technical regulations.
Looking for a better balance, it would be nice to increase the horsepower, for example. The rules limit cars to 320 horsepower with a 34mm restrictor - about 380 ( with 38mm restrictor ) would be better.
It's not just about the power, though, it's the way it works with the tyres. Today's tyres are so narrow you are constantly driving to their limit rather than the limit of the driver - especially on asphalt. So we need a return to bigger, wider tyres, like we had in 1992.
Let's also reduce the overall weight of the cars. The minimum now is 1230kg, but they would be better balanced for the tyres if we cut it to 1200kg.
This need not be more expensive. In fact, i would make the cars cheaper by banning electronic driver aids. This would showcase driver skill. All the currenty technology does is narrow the gaps and force teams to spend money. A lower level of technology would also make ex-works cars easier to sell on to privateers.
We have 14 rallies now and that's about right, but i would alter the way they are placed on the calendar. We need to have a month's break in the middle of the year and a definite off-season, like F1. At the moment, we finish Rally Great Britain and roll straight into the following year's Monte Carlo Rally.
I wouls also reposition some rallies to make them more attractive for visitors and VIPs. For example, Cyprus is a nice place to visit, but not in the horrible weather we had in April.
As for new events, quality is better than quantity. I don't mind where we have a rally as long as the stages are good, the organisation efficient and the event is welcomed by everybody. I want any new rallies to be important to the countries they are in.
The thing i feel most strongly about is starting order. This has to be the only sport where the series leader is penalised! If you're leading the title chase there are events where you don't stand a chance. I would prefer a lottery rather than what we have now.
I'm also concerned about the double usage of many stages. I can see why this happens because of centralised service areas, but i'm sure that there must be another solution.
The Junior World Championship is a good step to encourage young drivers, but they would learn more in a proper Group N car. It's important to get decent four-wheel-drive experience as soon as possible.
Sadly, it's not me who makes the rules. So i'll just be concentrating on getting the best possible result on the next rally
