The 3D pics of the Dacia and the Lada made me wonder if Oreca’s real purpose is to serve privateers (notably those that previously used Gr.N cars) or to provide rally cars to brands with little or none connection to the sport.

Let’s face it, exotic brands and even some traditional ones, but currently with no intention to start a rally program, can easily make their own R4 and use it in national or international series, through importers and major dealers, making consumers believe they’re actively engaged in rally.

Probably no one will care if they’re using the same mechanical base, as people will still believe the distinctive bodywork represents brand x or y. That has been the case in Argentina with the Maxi Rally cars and now in Spain with N5 models (based in MR).

If so, eventually what will be the point of keeping R5 category, as any Ford (or any other R5 manu) importer can build a R4 Fiesta that will look exactly the same and cost a bit less than the genuine article?!?