I think the sport needs to look at all the mixed messaging it puts out there as well as thinking about the machinery.

The recent Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK saw all 3 WRC manufacturers present for the first time since 2019. At the FOS one of the main features was all the cars performing donuts as part of their runs/displays to the delight of the crowds. What happens when that happens on or after the finish of a WRC round? A fine for the driver...You have the current and probably 2023 WRC Champion competing in Drifting seen as probably the biggest fan draw away for rallying yet bringing some of the that raw/outlaw appeal that supposedly draws in a lot of the WRC’s target demographic, is actively discouraged. Way back in the 70s and 80s Rally Portugal featured a stage at Estoril race circuit and after the main rally there was a “gymkhana” type event for the crews, even some of the team’s service barges took part! Why couldn’t something like that take place on the odd event during the year? Would be far better than the current arrangements.

Trying to preach the sustainability gospel then allowing the teams to drag 3 storey pre-fab buildings around the globe seems bizarre. To then say that these buildings are stopping fan access and start talking of “grid walks” so the fans can get up close is just plain misguided. I’m lucky enough to be able to remember when servicing took place where ever it could and there was no need to worry about access and whilst I appreciate that those were “different” times it still seems like a massive own goal.

As for the tv/online coverage WRC+ is patently not fit for purpose and is purely just another cash making exercise for the promotor. The gormless end of stage interview format and lack of outside cameras on events just fails to excite. I’d rather wait for footage from the likes of Passats de Canto for my fill than watch endless in-car but appreciate not everyone has the patience/attention span that I do.