The WRC is spoiled for choice for future calendars

If the project mentioned by the promoter during Portugal comes to fruition, there should be 14 rounds in 2024. As the process to ratify such a program is long and strewn with traps, it is not impossible that surprises may arise. This was the case last year, so we must remain cautious in this area. What is clear, however, is the attractiveness of the championship. There may be 14 lucky ones next year, but there are almost as many who want to be included in this list to the point of wondering how the promoter makes his choices.

« Budgets and logistics are essential factors, explains Simon Larkin (Even Director WRC Promoter). We don't want to put our teams to the test. I'm not just thinking about manufacturers. I am joining the WRC2 teams. This championship is doing very well. Even if we encourage its crews to participate in rounds outside Europe, it is still from Europe that our customers and our competitors come. If we schedule too many long trips, it will hurt the competition. We think 14 appointments is a good number. »

What distribution for each continent?

What is surprising is that the distribution is not yet 7 rallies in Europe and 7 outside as the promoter wishes. Here too Larkin explains why. “ Today, he develops, the schedule is deliberately built on the principle that teams have only one overseas kit. If we were to create a competition requiring the use of a 2nd kit, this would have a significant financial impact on the teams. This would be even more so if this equipment was only to be used once a year. As long as we are in this model, it is not possible to have a 7/7 distribution, but we will succeed. »

Before that, the sequence of events must allow this famous kit to pass from one race to another, which justifies the scheduling of the calendar (from Mexico to Kenya, from Kenya to Chile, etc.). Once the maritime route has been established, it is still necessary to arrange the various European meetings. For Monte-Carlo and Sweden, it seems quite simple, but what next? The principle of alternation having not been retained, an event which has disappeared from the calendar is not certain to return the following year.

This is the case of Catalunya which gave way to Central Europe in 2023 and which clearly does not have a slot for 2024. Same observation for New Zealand. “ I think it will be easier for them to organize an event in 2025, corrects Larkin. There have been political changes. We have to see what this will give. » Besides these two examples, there are several other countries knocking on the door and appearing in the waiting room.

For countries as essential as England and France, the WRC does not seem to be a priority (DPPI: François Baudin)

Abundance of good for the WRC

« Thanks to the work accomplished over the last ten years, the demand for events far exceeds the available places, smiles the Australian. This puts us in an enviable position, because we can choose what we want. In addition to the 14 rallies hoped for in 2024, we are in discussions with 7 others who could easily join us. We could have 21 rounds next year. No problem, if that were possible. » It is certain that countries like Argentina, Estonia (which should disappear from the program with the arrival of Liepaja) or Mexico (if the USA is selected) are in the running.

In countries like Australia or even Turkey, the situation is more vague. This is also the case for England. “ If something happens in the UK, it will be in Ireland, reveals Larkin. Indeed, the island of Ireland, putting aside the politics of north and south, is an extremely interesting market for rally. We saw the impact of Craig. Maybe we could have a north-south cross-border strategy? The desire is there and we are working on it. »

If the door to the 2024 calendar is not closed to our neighbors across the Channel, the situation in France seems clearer. Asked whether there is a dialogue with the FFSA, the representative of the promoter sighs: “ It's disappointing. I mean we have a round in France with the Rallye Monte-Carlo. We are talking to the federation just as we are with Motorsport UK. I'm certainly not disputing the FFSA's commitment to the drivers, but right now their priority is not finding an event. It’s their right and I can say the same about Motorsport UK. »

If the WRC ever becomes one of the priorities of the FFSA again, the project would have to be very solid to attract a promoter who today is spoiled for choice when it comes to establishing his program.

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