The package included, among other things, the removal of hybrid units from Rally1 cars as early as next season. Additionally, there are plans to reduce the power and aerodynamics of top-class cars. At the same time, a WRC kit is available for Rally2 cars, which would level the playing field between the classes.
The reform package has sparked a tremendous amount of criticism and a few voices in favor of the changes. However, it is quite certain that the entire package will not be approved at the World Motor Sport Council meeting in June. The WRC teams have made their views known to the FIA and the WRC Promoter through a formal letter.
“My thought is that the information was released a bit too quickly and perhaps wasn’t entirely accurate. I believe there will be some review of that; I hope so, at least, because there has been, of course, a significant investment made by the teams to develop these cars. I’m aware, like everyone else, that having only eight cars starting the event is far too few. We need to find a way to increase the number of cars,” says Sebastien Ogier, the eight-time world rally champion.
“At the same time, you cannot ask the current teams to downgrade their cars to the level of the second car category, which is WRC2. So in my eyes, that cannot happen.”
Recently, in the Croatia Rally, Ogier clinched his 59th WRC victory and emphasized that despite the urgency of the series, rushing changes is not sensible.
“I think some changes are necessary, and I hope they will occur as soon as possible. However, these changes need to be made sensibly and not hastily. I understood that none of the three manufacturers were pleased with this announcement,” states Ogier.
“I understand some points. The goal of making the cars a bit cheaper is a good idea. I believe the cars will remain as spectacular as possible because that’s one of the strong appeals that makes this sport loved by the fans and the public. The situation has heated up a bit now, and I think we need to return to common sense.”
It is clear that if the FIA’s reforms were to be fully implemented, teams would be under immense pressure to get the updated cars ready for competition by next January.
“I don’t hold all the cards. Seeing these announcements, it seems there was something a bit wrong. I’m pretty sure all the stakeholders are going to sit down together and rethink this, trying to find a solution, preferably over a medium term rather than the very short term.”
