Rallying’s prime flight has tried to draw new marques in recent times, and this was one of many key targets behind the introduction of its Rally1 hybrid rules final 12 months.
Toyota, Hyundai and M-Sport Ford dedicated to the brand new rule cycle till 2024, however the transfer to hybrid autos has thus far but to lure any further producers.
As Autosport reported final week, the WRC has identified three unnamed new marques with whom it is currently involved in discussions concerning potential future involvement within the championship.
However a possible hurdle is the actual fact the WRC’s longterm future pathway has but to be introduced. It’s anticipated that an evolution of the Rally1 hybrid rules, together with an expanded use of hybrid energy, can be adopted for 2025 and 2026.
The FIA is presently speaking with producers to grasp which path to take past 2026, with the tactic of propulsion an important factor of the dialogue. Hybrid, hydrogen and battery electrical energy are all being assessed.
Hyundai driver Neuville made his view clear when responding to an Autosport social media submit final week canvassing opinion as to which producer followers wish to see be a part of the world championship. The Belgian responded to the submit saying: “Can the WRC Promoter and the FIA hold the present 2.5 producers dedicated to the WRC?”
When requested by Autosport to develop on his tweet forward of this weekend’s Rally Portugal, he mentioned: “For my private feeling, sure [the WRC is at a critical point].
“I’m very lengthy in rally now, I’ve a whole lot of expertise. Personally I imagine that clearly COVID has given an enormous hit to the WRC, for certain.
“Earlier than COVID I might say it was fairly okay, after COVID for me WRC went on the downhill slope. And I’ve the sensation like, no one actually realises it, how drastic it’s.
“However as a driver you’ll be able to really feel it when it comes to media attendance, I can really feel it in Belgium. No person actually cares about WRC anymore.
“I really feel that the producers’ involvement shouldn’t be the identical because it has been previously. So there may be a whole lot of issues which provides it a sense that yeah, we have to react.
“However not solely this, we additionally see that Method 1 is able to altering the format, in the course of the season, with the brand new format for the race in Baku with the qualifying on Friday.
“MotoGP is including dash races, and rally – there isn’t a change. And we reside in a time the place no one needs to comply with anymore simply vehicles driving by way of the forest. Sure it is spectacular if you go and watch, however if you end up on the TV it is not the identical.”
He added: “I by no means mentioned that someone [a manufacturer] goes to go away. However since what number of years now no one has joined, that is already a truth. What years a producers do, I do not know. However for certain, I feel they’re keen to vary some issues.
Thierry Neuville, Martijn Wydaeghe, Hyundai World Rally Group Hyundai i20 N Rally1
Picture by: Pink Bull Content material Pool
“I feel each, promoter, FIA and producer. If you’re placing some huge cash right into a championship yearly, yearly, yearly, it’s best to get some return as properly.”
Requested what he wish to see change to extend the WRC’s attraction, he added: “There’s a whole lot of issues, however for me initially what there must be are conferences to brainstorm about what could be good. I am certain groups they’ve the suggestions, they’ve these conferences, they are going to get the suggestions.
“However typically drivers additionally has opinion and being throughout the sport for a very long time, perhaps contemplating typically drivers and groups can be useful for the promotion of the championship.
“There are a whole lot of issues which may be fascinating. I do not wish to discuss it now, however yeah I’ve some concepts.”
