The World Rally Championship has been experiencing a decline for some time, and the FIA wanted to listen to fans.
What do fans want to see in the future? What works and what doesn’t?
Now, the FIA has published the results of a survey on its website. It asked fans about the race format, technical issues, and questions related to drivers.
According to the survey results, 80 percent of fans would like to see more endurance races in the future. The World Rally Championship may soon be able to respond to this request, as the WRC working group is bringing back remote servicing, which would allow for longer stages and eliminate “unnecessary” liaisons. An endurance event is already planned for Kenya, for example.
Fans were also strongly of the opinion that the costs of the World Rally Championship should be reduced. 72 percent of respondents wished for a clear cap on how much cars can cost in the future. The WRC working group has already responded positively to this request, as a price cap of 400,000 euros for cars is planned for the future.
Fans were nearly unanimously moved on one point. A full 97 percent of respondents want to see more manufacturers in the series in the future. This is also the goal of the FIA and the WRC working group, and for this reason, costs are being lowered through the elimination of cars and permanent service parks.
Not many of those who responded to the survey will miss the hybrid units when they soon disappear. Only 23 percent of respondents would have liked to see hybrid units also in the future, while 59 percent were in favor of low-emission fuels.
Drivers received a lot of praise from fans. 94 percent felt that the driver’s driving skills are just as important as the car’s performance. According to 92 percent, the World Rally Championship distinctly stands out from other motorsports due to the cooperation between the driver and the co-driver.
Most fans enjoy the WRC remotely from the comfort of their sofa. Only 29 percent of respondents had attended a rally in person in the past year. The biggest problems with attending rallies in person were seen as the long distances and the cost.
The FIA was very satisfied with the survey results.
“The impressive reaction from WRC fans is a testament to the passion for this unique sport. The information they shared is invaluable as we plan the future of the World Championship,” FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem stated.
