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Analysis: WRC teams weigh in on Rally2 replacing Rally1 debate
Interesting article about the potential Rally2 replacement for Rally1.
Rally1 cars are now allowed to be run in WRC without hybrid, though not for WRC points. But it could create a new category for other championships.
Latvala, Toyota:
Interesting article about the potential Rally2 replacement for Rally1.
Rally1 cars are now allowed to be run in WRC without hybrid, though not for WRC points. But it could create a new category for other championships.
The quotes from the manufacturers' representatives show they haven't decided anything yet, and they all have slightly varying viewpoints."The FIA has also now interestingly permitted Rally1 cars to be run in the WRC without hybrid kits this year, with the caveat that they are not eligible for manufacturer points. This could potentially keep the current technology teams that have invested millions already and eliminate the cost of hybrid technology. It also allows for Rally1 cars to be used in national competitions and therefore could make the cars more viable and accessible for young drivers and privateers."
Latvala, Toyota:
Abiteboul, Hyundai:“These [Rally1 cars] are great machines, I would say they are fast, safe and they look good and they sound good, but they are very, very expensive. We don’t have privateers as we used to have in the older days. Moving to Rally2 or let’s say Rally2 Plus would solve many of the issues especially cost-wise, which could allow privateers to come and run in the top class."
Millener, M Sport:“We are trying to address mainly the cost issue and we are trying to engage with the fanbase, it could be a solution but is it [Rally2] the right solution for the manufacturers to stay invested and market our best in automotive technology? Then Rally2 is not the solution.”
Seems unlikely anything will change for 2025 if nothing's been decided yet.“For me personally, we need a pinnacle. The funding is a very important part of the sport but if we have the following, the media interest and people around the sport, then the money comes with that element and that is maybe where we are missing at the moment. I think we need to think about how to make it more appealing and entertaining for people and how we can get more people to see the sport."