Bellamy: “This year of World RX will be much more interesting to follow”

What is your opinion on the permanent entrants for the 2019 season?

We are very happy with the grill. With 16 drivers entered for the entire season, that's one more car compared to last year. With the “wildcards”, this promises exciting events to follow. Some programs were released very late. That of Guerlain Chicherit, with its academy, is an excellent idea which allows us to promote young drivers who deserve their place in this world championship.

Is the absence of manufacturers still detrimental?

Not so much if you look closely. There will be eight brands represented and teams like that of Petter Solberg were still entered privately last year despite the official presence of the manufacturer. When Volkswagen withdrew from WRC (end of 2016. Editor’s note), the following seasons were the most exciting to follow. Johan Kristoffersson dominated last season, winning 11 of 12 events. So I think this year will be much more interesting to follow with a more contested title.

Where is the list of commitments for the Rallycross electric in 2021 which must be completed before the end of the month?

I can't go into details, but we are in close discussions with Hyundai, Ford, Volkswagen and Mini. Regardless, there should not be a new date for closing commitments since we have already postponed it.

The return of Max Pucher to World RX with the Hansen family suggests that the storm has passed since the Austrian opposed electric racing. Are tensions eased?

Max has always worked to have a quality championship in World RX. He has very good ideas. We support initiatives like the Global Rallycross Europe which he set up this year because it is something positive for the discipline as a whole.

Would you like to develop paid digital platforms as the F1 or the WRC?

We intend to focus more on live streaming accessible to all. We reached 400 viewers per weekend last year. It works because it's free. This year we will also broadcast live Euro RX races (the European championship. Editor's note) because it is the future stars of tomorrow who are competing there.