Loeb changes his mind on the future of the WRC

We still remember the words made by Sébastien Loeb, a few months ago, against a possible technical rapprochement between the WRC current and basic Super 2000s. A proposal made by the FIA, to ensure the sustainability of the World Rally Championship at a lower cost.

Strongly opposed to this idea and affirming that, in this case, this championship would no longer interest him, the Alsatian said on the other hand he was in favor of fitting a turbo kit, guaranteeing a certain supremacy of the WRC. But we already know that during the FIA ​​World Council, scheduled for next week, it is in reality an aerodynamic kit which should be defined.

“What we are looking for is a distinct car, the appearance of the car is an important parameter of the DNA of the championship. On the other hand, we must do everything to have the lowest possible costs and I think that adding a turbo kit is therefore incompatible,” declared Simon Long, director of ISC, promoter of the WRC on the official website.

Contrary to what one might think, Loeb would apparently no longer be so opposed to this possibility: “As far as I am concerned, I would be happy to have a turbo from a driving point of view. But on the other hand, I cannot deny that we are going through difficult times and that financial problems affect almost everyone,” says the five-time world champion.

“The most important thing now is above all to save the championship and attract new manufacturers. The FIA's measures go in this direction, so it can only be a good thing,” adds Loeb, well aware that such a change in regulations would open the door to the WRC for the brands that are currently enjoying the glory days of the IRC.

“I still hope that the 2010 WRCs will be different from the current S2000s, because they don't have torque and it's not a pretty sight in the hairpins, it's very slow. If all this is done correctly, we shouldn't lose that many horses and it will still be interesting for spectators and drivers alike. We’ll see,” he finally admitted.

The FIA ​​World Council will decide the question on March 17…