Rallying’s high flight has tried to draw new marques lately, and this was one of many key targets behind the introduction of its Rally1 hybrid laws final yr.
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 laws, together with an expanded use of hybrid energy, will probably 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 ingredient 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 increase on his tweet forward of this weekend’s Rally Portugal, he stated: “For my private feeling, sure [the WRC is at a critical point].
“I’m very lengthy in rally now, I’ve plenty of expertise. Personally I consider that clearly COVID has given an enormous hit to the WRC, for positive.
“Earlier than COVID I’d say it was fairly okay, after COVID for me WRC went on the downhill slope. And I’ve the sensation like, no person actually realises it, how drastic it’s.
“However as a driver you may really feel it by way of media attendance, I can really feel it in Belgium. No person actually cares about WRC anymore.
“I really feel that the producers’ involvement will not be the identical because it has been prior to now. So there may be plenty of issues which supplies it a sense that yeah, we have to react.
“However not solely this, we additionally see that Components 1 is able to altering the format, through 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 any change. And we dwell in a time the place no person desires to comply with anymore simply automobiles driving via the forest. Sure it is spectacular if you go and watch, however when you find yourself on the TV it isn’t the identical.”
He added: “I by no means stated that anyone [a manufacturer] goes to go away. However since what number of years now no person has joined, that is already a reality. What years a producers do, I do not know. However for positive, I feel they’re prepared to alter some issues.
Thierry Neuville, Martijn Wydaeghe, Hyundai World Rally Workforce Hyundai i20 N Rally1
Photograph by: Purple Bull Content material Pool
“I feel each, promoter, FIA and producer. In case you are placing some huge cash right into a championship yearly, yearly, yearly, you must get some return as effectively.”
Requested what he wish to see change to extend the WRC’s enchantment, he added: “There’s plenty of issues, however for me to start with what there must be are conferences to brainstorm about what could be good. I am positive groups they’ve the suggestions, they’ve these conferences, they may get the suggestions.
“However typically drivers additionally has a superb opinion and being inside the sport for a very long time, possibly contemplating typically drivers and groups will probably be useful for the promotion of the championship.
“There are plenty of issues which might be fascinating. I do not need to speak about it now, however yeah I’ve some concepts.”