[WRC] News & Rumours 2019

[Rally Power]

Top spec Polo costs around 230k, VW can't charge more as it's (well) controlled by the FIA.

I actually remember reading an interview of an i20 R5 buyer saying a full spec new car was costing 250k (at the start of 2018).

Complete R4 car shall cost between 180-190k (per Oreca).

That was Oreca initial estimation, before the kit price reduction. A finished car costs now around 160k; you can confirm it with ASM here https://r4rallycars.com/

Those 30% may be a lot in absolute numbers but as Anton said it's likely easier to find extra 30% for a project in the top level than 30% less for something so obscure as a certain class (that's how most of potential sponsors naturally see it - because they go after exposure). In other words it's for sure easier to find money for second hand R5 than for new R4. And there are tons of used R5 everywhere.

According to your logic of only using top machines, what’s the point of running an old 208 or a first spec used Fiesta? Actually, as not everybody is aiming for the top 10 and there’s no alternative to N4, some amateurs are tempted to get a used R5, but repair or rebuilding costs may soon turn their R5 adventure into a nightmare (I know a few cases).

Honestly I can’t understand why so many people here are against a new category that could bring more drivers and even new brands to the sport. I see R4 as a needed complement to the current rally classes, not as a threat to the existing categories.

Unfortunately, without a better clarification of the rules by the FIA or the local ASN’s and a proper promotion from Oreca and their partners R4 may fail, as it seems hard to get new costumers in the current uncertainty; people won’t probably spent 160k for a car without having more clues about its future.