Should WRC2 replace the WRC?

Facts : The queen category of WRC continue de vivre grâce à deux constructeurs officiels (Toyota et Hyundai) et un engagement semi-officiel (Ford avec M-Sport). Le Monte-Carlo a mis en évidence un manque criant d’engagés en Rally1 alors que la classe Rally2 regorgeait de prétendants engagés sur des marques diverses. La solution de la bonne santé du WRC passe-t-elle donc par l’adoption du règlement WRC2 ?

YES, by Loïc Rocci

The presence of only 10 Rally1s at the start of Monte-Carlo and 9 in Sweden provides the answer, because together the Rally2 is full. Elite cars cost too much. It was a certainty even before they put the wheels on the special stages. However, particularly for reasons of ego, the path of hybridization was followed on these prototypes while knowing that it could be hopeless.

However, there were other avenues to explore and they may be explored in the future if unfortunately Hyundai decides to withdraw. With the number of specialists who populate the various FIA commissions, how is it possible that no one has proposed a project bringing together both Rally1 participants and those producing Rally2? Was there not a technical solution for manufacturers to maintain their predominance over private companies?

The argument stating that choosing this category would reduce interest in rally is false, because even if the cars will certainly go slower, there will be so many of them at the start of the races that it will provide a great spectacle. In this category, there are already 5 types of models available (i20, C3, Polo, Fabia, Fiesta) and a 6th (Yaris) is in preparation. Making a slight decline in performance as happened between 1986 and 1987 would allow the WRC to be more in line with the era when budgets are crazy compared to the benefits. This will be beneficial to manufacturers who could field 2 or 3 teams and thus encourage the emergence of future talents, which is impossible in Rally1.

Having around twenty official crews plus a few preparers (Toksport, PH-Sport, 2C, etc.) at the start of the rounds is a dream, but it would be possible. By offering cars with affordable development while remaining green and politically correct with a mode of propulsion in keeping with the times, would it not also encourage the arrival of new manufacturers? By moving to Rally2, the world championship would perhaps lose a little spectacle, but it would have so much to gain!

NO, by Medhi Casaurang

What is the WRC defined by? By its spectacular side. And you only have to watch the countless amateur videos on YouTube to realize that nothing beats the level of performance of the Rally1.

These already greatly impress the Internet user that I am; so, I can't imagine the feeling that must come from passing a Ford Puma, Hyundai i20 or Toyota GR Yaris at full speed before my eyes! Besides, I was never really attracted by the R5 and Rally2 compilations.

The premier category of rallies must make spectators and the general public alike dream. How can we interest new sections of the population if vehicles do not provide these “wow” effects? We see it clearly in Formula E. Their weak appearance and lack of spectacle has never succeeded in converting motorsport enthusiasts, nor laymen who love new technologies.

However, whatever its officials say, the WRC is struggling to regain its appeal. Keeping the boat afloat must involve maintaining an adequate level of performance. There is no point going beyond the reasonable limit, as was undoubtedly the case with the Rally1s between 2017 and 2021 and their overly sophisticated mechanics.

However, it would be regrettable if the World Rally Championship fell back on cars as soothing as the WRCs equipped with 1.6 liter turbo engines between 2011 and 2016. Not only were their mechanics not noble, but also the look of the Citroën DS3, Volkswagen Polo R and other Ford Fiestas were nothing to write home about. Without Sébastien's coronations Loeb et Sébastien Ogier, this era of the WRC would have fallen into oblivion in France.

This is why we must at all costs maintain cars capable of making people dream at the top of the WRC pyramid. Now the question is whether the WRC2 cars could benefit from an aerodynamic kit at a lower cost…