Deutschland Rally WRC 2010

**johunn** · 28th August 2010, 09:02

Originally Posted by bowler

Block knows how to work the fans, and is always available for publicity or PR.

Guys from the US are generally good at this sort of stuff, and work hard at it

That's right and marketing is the sole purpose of this spectacle. That's why the likes of Block and Kimi are a positive additions to the sport. They attach more audience by just being there than most of the other guys driving in the front.

**sollitt** · 28th August 2010, 09:33

No they don't.

**N.O.T** · 28th August 2010, 09:49

kimi block rossi and other tomato cans attract attention but short-term one...

after all they made a name for themselves by being very good at something else. If they were useless tomato cans in their sports as they are in rallying none would care about them....so by staying in a sport they are really really bad the attention fades from their loyal doggys.

People admire success not just being a useless clown...so when all these do something they are not good at the success element goes away and the clown one remains. People are not very fond of clowns when there is nothing around them.

**johunn** · 28th August 2010, 10:05

Originally Posted by N.O.T

kimi block rossi and other tomato cans attract attention but short-term one...

after all they made a name for themselves by being very good at something else. If they were useless tomato cans in their sports as they are in rallying none would care about them....so by staying in a sport they are really really bad the attention fades from their loyal doggys.

People admire success not just being a useless clown...so when all these do something they are not good at the success element goes away and the clown one remains. People are not very fond of clowns when there is nothing around them.

So you are honestly telling me that Loeb has more followers than Block? And what has Block achieved apart from driving sideways? It is just a clever marketing strategy and the sole purpose of him driving is to sell more DC shoes.

**N.O.T** · 28th August 2010, 10:23

comprehension is not your strong point.....

**johunn** · 28th August 2010, 10:41

Originally Posted by N.O.T

comprehension is not your strong point.....

Well you quite obviously have not understood what I said as well. My point was that the whole sport is built on marketing. No manufacturer would provide their vehicles if that didn't serve a greater point. Yes, over time great champions will emerge that are remembered for their achievements. But most of the actions are done based on possible near-future gains. Thus we have only 2 different manufacturers as the other car companies do not see the marketing value in competing there. If it was just about the fame for the driver then I suppose there would be a lot of manufacturers that could produce a winning car if enough money was laid on the table. Overall it is a marketing strategy for car companies and other sponsors that needs a face and generally achievements. But the recent trend shows that the achievements are less valued than the image that the driver has been able to make himself. Im pretty sure that Red Bull don't think of Kimi being around for next 10 years as the best driver. They want to sell their product now to the people that follow Kimi (it's a big number). In two years they will have someone else who is more profitable that they will sponsor.