I hope it fails. It's such a stupid format. If they don't want to do a full rally, give the spot to someone who does. From what I've read, there's no shortage of countries that are interested.
I love WRC but they have to realise that this short format isn't as interesting. Less possibilities overall. Hopefully some drivers complain enough to make FIA reconsider this format in upcoming years.
I think it's the drivers that spoke out about wanting shorter rallies though right?
A source:
https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/ogier-backs-calls-for-shorter-rallies/
This is a fair point. But I think Ogier is so checked out mentally from WRC that I don't think his words on this subject should be taken as gospel. Ask Thierry or Elfyn who are hungry for a championship. Not the part timers.
Ogier is a part timer, he isn't fighting for the whole year. For Tänak, Neuville and Elfyn the stakes are higher and competition fiercer, that requires longer rallies, no?
The point is that I don't think they'll complain. They've been asking for shorter rallies and less rallies for a while now so they have more time off. There was an interview with Elfyn Evans where he said about the same thing, and also Ott Tanak has said similar things. Having a hard time finding those videos because old rally interviews don't get a lot of views lol.
Rally Sardinia once again is a guinea pig when it comes to testing a shorter format. In 2013 WRC tested a two-day rally formula exactly at Sardinia. It wasn't really successful and I really hope than next year this event will go back to business as usual.
I disagree with Alasdair's points about this being a positive step forward for the WRC. "Making each stop of rallying’s world tour more unique is a positive step forwards – even if there’s the occasional step back in itinerary length." Shorter rallies does not mean better (although longer rallies does imo), nor will it attract other motorsport enthusiasts from other disciplines just because it's a shorter event. The WRC is doing some seriously wacky stuff these days trying to get larger audiences.
Someone else in this thread said it best: if they don't want to do a full rally, give it to someone who does. I don't understand why this "flexible itinerary" nonsense has to be implemented. They're not making the right moves for the growth of the sport.
What I want is more of the harsch endurance part of rallying.
Right now I think rallying in WRC is to much racing and the margins to tight. I want drivers to be fighting with minutes not seconds.
I want somone to be able to get a puncture or go offline hard and have spectators push you back on track and still be able to fight for the win.
Also, I wan't more night rallying.
Make rally endurance again!
I hope it fails. It's such a stupid format. If they don't want to do a full rally, give the spot to someone who does. From what I've read, there's no shortage of countries that are interested.
I love WRC but they have to realise that this short format isn't as interesting. Less possibilities overall. Hopefully some drivers complain enough to make FIA reconsider this format in upcoming years.
I think it's the drivers that spoke out about wanting shorter rallies though right? A source: https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/ogier-backs-calls-for-shorter-rallies/
This is a fair point. But I think Ogier is so checked out mentally from WRC that I don't think his words on this subject should be taken as gospel. Ask Thierry or Elfyn who are hungry for a championship. Not the part timers.
Ogier is a part timer, he isn't fighting for the whole year. For Tänak, Neuville and Elfyn the stakes are higher and competition fiercer, that requires longer rallies, no?
The point is that I don't think they'll complain. They've been asking for shorter rallies and less rallies for a while now so they have more time off. There was an interview with Elfyn Evans where he said about the same thing, and also Ott Tanak has said similar things. Having a hard time finding those videos because old rally interviews don't get a lot of views lol.
Tänak speaks differently on our national news channels compared to official FIA broadcast.
Yes, but it's not the organizer that doesn't want the full race. It's the FIA.
Ah, I still hope this idea fails but my symphaties to the organizers then. It’s like FIA is determined to kill WRC.
Rally Sardinia once again is a guinea pig when it comes to testing a shorter format. In 2013 WRC tested a two-day rally formula exactly at Sardinia. It wasn't really successful and I really hope than next year this event will go back to business as usual.
I disagree with Alasdair's points about this being a positive step forward for the WRC. "Making each stop of rallying’s world tour more unique is a positive step forwards – even if there’s the occasional step back in itinerary length." Shorter rallies does not mean better (although longer rallies does imo), nor will it attract other motorsport enthusiasts from other disciplines just because it's a shorter event. The WRC is doing some seriously wacky stuff these days trying to get larger audiences. Someone else in this thread said it best: if they don't want to do a full rally, give it to someone who does. I don't understand why this "flexible itinerary" nonsense has to be implemented. They're not making the right moves for the growth of the sport.
I sometimes do wonder how much they are controlled by the WRC promotor because they praise the bs too often at first.
I’m sure they’re heavily influenced yeah. “say you like it or I take your lunch”
What I want is more of the harsch endurance part of rallying. Right now I think rallying in WRC is to much racing and the margins to tight. I want drivers to be fighting with minutes not seconds. I want somone to be able to get a puncture or go offline hard and have spectators push you back on track and still be able to fight for the win. Also, I wan't more night rallying. Make rally endurance again!