Originally Posted by
Indreq
I am not talking about what tech will majority of cars be based on in few years, i am talking about where marketing focus will be. Full electrification surely will take time. But think about how things have progressed during past few years. Some 3-5 years ago there were handful of full EVs which were more cool noveltys and less as everybodys viable option. Today most manufacturers are launching new EV models with double the range we had couple of years ago. Now fast forward another 2-5 years - by then even hybrid, not only IC engine would be yesterdays news. Sure, they will probably still be sold, most cars on roads are still non-EVs, but surely majority of PR will go towards top models, which will be EVs. And if WRC does not provide marketing opportunity to support this EV-focused marketing, then this is pointless expense for manufacturers. By then there will probably be full-EV RX series, Formula E might eclipse F1, maybe some other series will go electric - and this would be more lucrative for manufacturers then as this supports their marketing focus. We considered that current situation with 3,5 manufacturers is "good times", i would say sights are set too low. WRC should have 5 manufacturers at least. FIA shouldnt ask from current manufacturers what they want, but from companies who are not here yet but who are in forefront of EV development - Tesla, Nissan, Mitsubishi, VW, Audi etc.
PS i know i am dreaming here and historical experience doesnt support such big change but then we are living in interesting times... :)