Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville, a prominent voice in the World Rally Championship (WRC), has been actively advocating for changes to enhance the appeal of the championship. The structure of WRC events has been under scrutiny this season, with several drivers expressing dissatisfaction, particularly over the length of the events and the extended road sections.
Addressing these concerns, the WRC Commission has compiled various suggestions and presented them to the FIA. Among these proposals was a plan to shorten the minimum event distance to 250 kilometers for the 2024 season, which, however, was not approved. On a positive note, the FIA has approved a new points allocation system, introducing points for Saturday’s leg and a distinct points system for Sunday, aiming to add more excitement to the rally’s concluding day.
The WRC is on the brink of further evolutionary changes following the FIA’s decision to establish a new working group. This group, led by FIA Deputy President Robert Reid, the 2001 WRC co-driver champion, and David Richards, the 1981 co-driver champion and chairman of F1 Flow UK, is tasked with developing a future course for rallying at all levels.
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When asked about his vision for the future format of WRC events, Neuville shared his preference for more diverse rally lengths and the reintroduction of classic events. Speaking to F1 Flow.com, he stated, “In my view, the current rally format is overly lengthy, losing audience engagement over four days. Yet, I wouldn’t overhaul the format entirely. I propose keeping Monte Carlo as a four-day event and extending the Safari Rally to five or six days with longer stages for added thrill, reminiscent of past rallies.
PHOTO CREDIT: RED BULL CONTENT POOL
Pictured: Thierry Neuville, Martijn Wydaeghe, Hyundai World Rally Team Hyundai i20 N Rally1
Neuville further suggested resurrecting legendary rallies like those in Argentina and Wales, which are potential candidates for a comeback. He envisions shorter rallies, mostly spanning Friday and Saturday, with a Friday shakedown followed by an extended evening session and night-time tarmac racing. A lengthy Saturday would conclude with a celebratory evening event, including a service park party and a concert.
For select events, Neuville envisions a unique Sunday schedule featuring a single stage run multiple times, complemented by a remote service area. This arrangement would enable spectators to interact more closely with the drivers and witness the action up close. Additionally, he suggests incorporating co-driver runs with VIPs for manufacturers, enhancing fan engagement and bringing the rally experience closer to the audience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about WRC format changes
What changes has Thierry Neuville suggested for the WRC format?
Neuville has proposed a variety of changes to the World Rally Championship format to enhance its appeal and fan engagement. His suggestions include introducing more diverse lengths for rallies, such as extending the Safari Rally and shortening other events to just Friday and Saturday. He also advocates for the return of iconic rallies like those in Argentina and Wales, and a new points system to add excitement to the rally’s final day.
Why is a change in the WRC event format being considered?
The change in the WRC event format is being considered to improve the overall appeal of the championship. Drivers and fans have expressed concerns about the current format, particularly regarding the length of the events and the road sections, which can affect audience engagement.
Who is leading the new working group for WRC future changes?
The new working group designed to plan the future of rallying at all levels is led by FIA Deputy President Robert Reid, the 2001 World Rally Championship co-driver champion, and David Richards, the 1981 WRC co-driver champion and chairman of F1 Flow UK.
What is the new points system ratified by the FIA for WRC?
The new points system ratified by the FIA for the World Rally Championship includes allocating points after Saturday’s leg of the rally and introducing a new points allocation specifically for Sunday. This change aims to increase the excitement and competitiveness of the final day of the rallies.
Has the proposal to reduce the minimum event length in WRC been accepted?
No, the proposal to reduce the minimum event length in the World Rally Championship to 250 kilometers for the 2024 season was not accepted. However, other changes, including the new points system, have been ratified.
More about WRC format changes
- WRC Event Format Changes
- Neuville’s Vision for WRC
- WRC Points System Overhaul
- Future of Rallying Working Group
- FIA’s Decision on WRC Event Length
- WRC’s Evolution and Fan Engagement
- Thierry Neuville’s Rally Proposals
- Iconic Rallies in WRC History
- WRC Championship Enhancements
- Rally Racing Updates and News
7 comments
More interaction with fans on Sundays? love the idea, rallies need to be more about the fans
The new points system sounds cool, gonna make saturdays and sundays way more intense for sure
Not sure about shortening the events, part of the charm is the endurance aspect. WRC needs to think about this…
wow Neuville really wants to shake things up huh?? longer safari rally would be epic!!
they really need to bring back the classic rallies, Argentina and Wales were always my faves!!
interesting points by Neuville, but what about the costs for the teams with these changes? rally isn’t cheap!
kinda new to WRC, but these changes sound exciting! can’t wait to see how it pans out in the next season.