WRC future

[Mirek]

Why do you think that integrating the hybrid system into the current cars would be easier? IMHO not at all.

[T16]

Why do you think that integrating the hybrid system into the current cars would be easier? IMHO not at all.

I thought it would be cheaper than designing a new car, not necessarily easier.
For what it’s worth, I still think they have a hell of a lot of soul searching to do before they take the plunge and set the regs, both in terms of what makes the championship attractive from a fan and manufacturer point of view. They are in a bit of a grey area in terms of being late to the hybrid party and with the manufacturers moving road vehicle technology at such a pace, I’m not so certain that hybrid (and especially given the cost of a car being rumoured at 1 million) will entice the current manufactures to sign up, never mind new ones joining the party.
From a fans point of view, I’m also a little concerned that the championship is becoming very repetitive in terms of what each rally offers... same format, not really much variety, apart from surface differences. I guess that’s one reason why the Monte stands out as a little bit different to the rest.

[AndyRAC]

Well, we're told the WRC is an attractive proposition for manufacturers - the proof of that will be in which ones sign up for whatever regs are decided, whenever that is.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It's no drama, Freddie. It's a rule change like many others. Intergrating a hybrid system into a spaceframe prototype is for sure easier than into a stock bodyshell. The spaceframe doesn't make things harder but easier.

When the 2017 change happened it took the teams a good while to get their new cars sorted and reliable. And they were similar to the previous spec (but more aero, power & active diffs). Some like Citroen didnt ever get their car fully-sorted in 3 years.

Imagine adding the hybrid systems on top of that and a brand new chassis to be sorted.

But it'll be no drama... really ?

[Mirek]

Eddie, starting from zero is a good thing for the sport not a bad one! It means that everyone stands on the same starting point and can't take much from the previous advantage it gained through the years. The fact everyone needs to bring new ideas and new strategies is what makes it exciting and much less predictable.

As we've seen in the past the first few years after a change in the rules are the best. Only when one or two teams start to gain large advantage over the others it starts to fade until the point where a new change of rules is introduced to make it interesting again.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/n...malcolm-wilson

[T16]

https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/n...malcolm-wilson

This will gain traction. I honestly think they need to regroup and come up with a better plan.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Eddie, starting from zero is a good thing for the sport not a bad one! It means that everyone stands on the same starting point and can't take much from the previous advantage it gained through the years. The fact everyone needs to bring new ideas and new strategies is what makes it exciting and much less predictable.

As we've seen in the past the first few years after a change in the rules are the best. Only when one or two teams start to gain large advantage over the others it starts to fade until the point where a new change of rules is introduced to make it interesting again.

This isnt about the point I was making.

It was about the huge work the Manu's/Teams will have to do, and the higher costs, all while still running and developing the current cars.

You seem to think it will all be plain sailing. I dont.

[Mirek]

Every change of rules, which brings new cars, means a huge work. But this huge work gives a huge opportunity. Much bigger than at the start of a season in a continuous era where everything is limited by the jokers. As you sure agree the most important in the sport is to succeed and a change of rules gives that chance to those who were not successful before.

That's why usually new manufacturers join at the first two seasons of an era and not later when the advantage of those already in the circus is too big. On the other hand if FIA changes the rules without attracting any new manufacturers than it's for sure sad but in the current automotive world it may be the reality.

That hybrids will be expensive is another thing and a thing which was clear from the very beginning.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Gerard Quinn @WRCgerardquinn quotes on the costs of hybrids:

This is not sustainable. €6M - €12M development costs.

The technology being proposed is not even relevant to the products manufacturers will sell so it may not even be an attractive proposition to support commercially for most OEM's.


Think beyond spaceframe development. Transmission, engine, electric motor, tyre testing programmes alone for a start to develop performance and reliability. Current car estimated initial dev cost min €6M+ so the math is pretty simple when you base it on that.


Rally has always been accessible. Teams/manufacturers come and go depending on financial commitments. An affordable proposition is what gives the sport a longer-term lifeline. WRC is coming close to being cost prohibitive for most to consider in the future.