Silly Season 2026

[saco0o]

I was poking fun (I find this thread very silly), but there's a contract tracker? Wow, cool.

when the wrc2026 wiki's page gets an update they gotta post the sources. this is the source they used for tierry's contract
https://rallyjournal.com/major-drive...-championship/

[WRCStan]

I came across this video on YT with headline, Ott leaving WRC from DirtFish. Just shocked. We finally have got 4,5 title contenders, and now it will reduce again, and if Ogier will leave too, it will be down to 1 or 2. I don't see anyone else right now or in the next 2, 3 years challenging enough to say, they are on the same level than all of those guys... Except if Neuville and Evans will walk out too. Then it will be between Katsuta and Fourmaux (and maybe Solberg)

I wouldn't be surprised if there are more A-list announcements yet. Nobody is certain but Neuville.

[WRC1]

I will just leave this here…
https://youtu.be/kiZQDUDdooI?si=msUJboJ5tViBvmXe

wow....nothing more to say, incredible ......hope he comes back 27

[macebig]

Maybe it's time for decisions. Doubtful WRC will make it through 2026 with only Toyota as a fully focused competitor. Hyundai are very clearly out and Ford's/M-Sport commitment is questionable. Go to Rally 2s with the current cars for a 2-3 year window and start a major restructure for 2028 or 29. It will at least give a Lancia vs Toyota headline that will help spark interest back. Plus the Fiesta Rally 2 is still very competitive while Skoda can provide a challenge. Ben Sulayem should stop bitching with Liberty and spend some time at the sport that made his name.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Not destroyed, everyone calling for Rally2 and local drivers every podium is getting what they campaigned for.

What was your answer / alternative ?

Rally1 was too expensive. Hyundai were going to leave. M-Sport were struggling with only young pay drivers. Toyota cant carry the sport alone.

Rovanpera is leaving because he wants to race. And Tanak (he says) for personal reasons. Some new stars will emerge, they always have.

[Rallyper]

I think we are at a situation almost like in 1986 when GrB went out and we got GrA instead.

Now WRC will start maybe not from step one but in some sort in the same way we had in the 80´s.

I can see a freshening new order with new cars, new drivers mixed with some older comebacks. Just think. There might be an open road for guys liks Meeke, Sordo, Paddon, mixed with some new youngsters. And thsoe we already have and know of. More teams come with cheaper cars.

[EstWRC]

Järveoja also with a statement now and says it was their mutual decision

And mentions again that it’s not the finish line but rather like a break.

I really wonder what they will do, both him and Ott leave it open like they would so couple of rounds.

I hope they at least drive in Rally Estonia

[Eli]

Sad day for the sport honestly, really hope that 3rd seat at Hyundai will be something who has yet to sample WRC top class and if not, for the love of all things holly, can we have Paddon back please???

[spyros]

Wrc is dying, and nobody cares, except us hardcore rally fans, we are minority my friends.

[WRCStan]

What was your answer / alternative ?

Rally1 was too expensive. Hyundai were going to leave. M-Sport were struggling with only young pay drivers. Toyota cant carry the sport alone.

Rovanpera is leaving because he wants to race. And Tanak (he says) for personal reasons. Some new stars will emerge, they always have.

It's clear to me that a tour of paid elites isn't popular with many fans who say 'go to Rally2 and the elites will have to face larger fields and local privateers'. I and a small bunch of others have said for many years that this is the best way to drive the elites out of the sport. We lost 2 WDCs in the last weeks and there was the suggestion of the 8/9 timer too. That's all that was behind that post.

No need for us to firmly fix Tanak retiring with a move to Rally2 either, my post wasn't about tech specs, costs etc. And he may even return for WRC2027. If your question was how to retain the elites and continue as-was, then we're in the wrong thread.