WRC mainclass from 2027

[WRCStan]

I in general wonder what manufacturers get out of motorsport in detail, but since some series are very active in this regard, there must be a ROI somewhere to be had.

One of two things: brand recall and associated emotions from the audience, or selling cars into the sport.

The values associated with WRC aren't in tune with where EU/western politicians and regs are. Which is partly why there are no EU brands doing Rally1.

And as there is nothing in common with the needs of special stage rallying and western regs on what a road passenger car should be, have and do... there's no justification for this link with manufacturers anymore which is why it is, and should be, decoupling.

Funnily enough Liberty have turned the image of F1 around from being a boys club with grid girls to an inclusive sport and it has worked to attract manufacturers. Maybe if, IF, rally cars did look nothing like road passenger cars and some other magical stuff happened around the WRC image, then it could work to attract manufacturers.

[Ferranis]

One of two things: brand recall and associated emotions from the audience, or selling cars into the sport.

The values associated with WRC aren't in tune with where EU/western politicians and regs are. Which is partly why there are no EU brands doing Rally1.

And as there is nothing in common with the needs of special stage rallying and western regs on what a road passenger car should be, have and do... there's no justification for this link with manufacturers anymore which is why it is, and should be, decoupling.

Funnily enough Liberty have turned the image of F1 around from being a boys club with grid girls to an inclusive sport and it has worked to attract manufacturers. Maybe if, IF, rally cars did look nothing like road passenger cars and some other magical stuff happened around the WRC image, then it could work to attract manufacturers.

Thank you and this really is a conundrum.

Maybe it would help for WRC to go the "safety" route then for road relevance. Where else is a better place to develop all those electronic helpers like ABS than on public roads in race speed

Stupid idea probably though