WRC Promoter Set to Unveil 2023 Plans Amid Championship Uncertainty
This Saturday, a crucial meeting will take place between the WRC Promoter, FIA representatives, and Ford Motor Company members to discuss the promoter’s initiatives and plans for promoting the World Rally Championship.
With the June 11 World Motor Sport Council meeting approaching, which will finalize the technical regulations for the championship’s short-term future, this gathering assumes critical importance. The FIA proposed wide-ranging changes to technical, sporting, and promotional aspects in February, eliciting mixed reactions from WRC teams.
Teams Divided on Proposed Changes
While teams generally agree with alterations to sporting regulations, they fiercely oppose the FIA’s bid to remove hybrid technology and reduce the performance of Rally1 cars in 2024. On the other hand, there’s palpable excitement and curiosity around enhancing the championship’s promotional aspect.
“I think we need to get the promotional element sorted first and have everyone agree that we are going in the right direction on that,” M-Sport team principal Richard Millener said.
WRC Promoter’s Promotional Initiatives
The WRC Promoter is actively working on multiple projects aimed at boosting promotion, such as supporting driver Martins Sesks in his Rally1 campaign and introducing Formula 1-style team radio to enhance broadcasting.
“It is not just a vision but a tangible action plan to execute on the vision,” Hyundai team principal Cyril Abiteboul said.
Consensus on Promotion Key to Growth
This week’s meeting assumes significant importance in establishing a clear and comprehensive pathway forward. Both Millener and Abiteboul expect tangible progress following the discussion. As WRC navigates a period of transformation, finding consensus on promotion can unlock its potential, driving forward its growth trajectory, including bringing new manufacturers into the fray by 2027.
“WRC, wrc news, wrc 2023, wrc calendar 2023, wrc calendar 2024 – 2024 has witnessed unprecedented conversations around growth. As of now, the pressing questions remains – what specific initiatives are planned? Millener further underscored, ‘there is a lot of stuff going in the right direction…but we need a rule change, a pathway towards finding new manufacturers.'”
A vital element to focus on promotional strategy now may facilitate clearer communication for future developments like next year’s Formula 1-inspired data broadcasts, with both camps looking for assurance as soon as possible, knowing how tight the schedule ahead lies.
WRC stakeholders share the sense of urgency with regard to achieving clarity. There are indeed ‘no surprises, no drama – only the understanding that [in WRC], everyone can unite with one single target and start moving rapidly as needed’.
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