The financial crisis is striking and the rally sport is melting down in almost all levels. Local/national/regional drivers are having a hard time finding sponsors and WRC teams are retiring due to low sales, too expensive costs and most probably even because of the new technical regulations applying from 2010. The only championship that seems to be at least close to normal state is the IRC (Intercontinental Rally Challenge). Of course it’s much because of the fact that the Super 2000 cars used in IRC will be used (in quite modified state with turbo, etc) even in the WRC from 2010 and on. It makes much more sense to develop or drive a car that will be used in the future, than an old and much more expensive WRC car that will never more be used.
However, after Subaru’s and Suzuki’s retirements – both probably caused by a combination of the new regulations and the financial crisis, WRC is really running at a low. It has been melted down during many years with rising costs and strange regulation changes from the FIA that hasn’t always been good to the sport. Citroen has entered a second team, manufacturer 2, that will compete the WRC 2009. This is probably a combination of getting good money from the drivers and getting “cheap” top 5 placements in the championship where competition will be really weak. Maybe it’s also an attempt to “save” some of the reputation of the championship by having a few more cars entered in each round!?!
Added to this, Sebastien Loeb may be doing his last year as a top level rally driver – or at least in such an outstanding level. He has the chance to take a last title quite “easily” in 2009, and maybe he’ll choose to retire after that. To continue with a new car and perhaps even brand in 2010 is much of a risk. For Loeb, that has already achieved everything, I would consider it more of a risk to lose than a chance to win. But he may continue anyway, since he is a true rally lover and since Citroen is rumoured to be developing a Super 2000 car. Without a S2000 Citroen, Loeb will end his WRC career – that’s for sure.
Ironically, these factors are the big reason why I look bright on the future of WRC – seen in a larger perspective. The championship really needs a new base that attracts more manufacturers and private teams that can take the competition to a new level. Also, it would really benefit from a Sebastien Loeb in a car he’s not used to, and maybe a little bit weaker car – which is really ironic. He is the best driver ever, no doubt about it, and his success is really fun to see. But the truth (and shame) is that the championship doesn’t need such an outstanding driver right now. The championship needs a solid and close top level where drivers battle man to man and with close fights all round the top 10 in every race. That, combined with good television coverage, better new media coverage (this is a really big and currently really bad point) and smart media strategies could make up for a reborn WRC.
I don’t know if it will happen, but I know one thing: Now is the time to start shaping the new WRC, so anyone that want’s to be on the train should jump on, now. I think that 2009 is the big turning point, and hopefully for something really good. That’s why I started this blog. I want to see it happen!
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Tags: 2009, crisis, IRC, regulations, WRC
[...] the 2nd of January this year, I wrote (WRC is melted – let’s shape it) that I think 2009 will be the big turning point for rallying and the WRC – and looking back [...]