Quote Originally Posted by Mirek View Post
I agree that the system of homologation is a one of the features which needs to be changed. WRC is the only major motorsport which doesn't allow privately built machines in the top class. Obviously it doesn't work nowadays.
That's because in every other major motorsports the rules are usually made by some other government body/organization than FIA. In Le Mans/WEC it's ACO and IMSA, in Dakar/W2RC it's ASO, in F1 it's FOM. These don't really care about manufacturers (it's ofc more complicated in F1, but they still allow privateers).

In rally it's all about FIA without any other outside force. All they care about is the manufacturer's money. I don't know how much do current manufacturers pay for homologations and stuff, but I guess that if they allow privateers at any level, they could get same or even more money by them from homologation fees. Don't forget that there are only 6 manufacturers now that currently make rally cars - Ford, Toyota, Hyundai, Skoda, Renault and Stellantis. Even if some of the would leave, average fan wouldn't notice as someone would for sure make a car based on these.

But imo to make it work, there have to be more freedom in technical aspect. Both Dakar and Le Mans are pretty free yet cheap.