P1racenews AI automatic summary:
FIA releases WRC fan survey results
Last month, the world motorsport governing body conducted a fan survey among rally enthusiasts to gather insights for shaping the championship’s future direction, with over 11,000 fans participating. The data was presented at the World Motor Sport Council, unveiling an extensive vision for the future, developed by a working group led by FIA deputy president Robert Reid and ex-WRC team boss David Richards. The envisioned future includes phasing out hybrid units from Rally1 cars starting next season, reflecting fans’ preference for sustainable fuel over hybrid power by a 59% majority. A call for a level playing field and larger rally cars resonated strongly among fans, along with a desire to see more competitive manufacturers beyond Toyota, Hyundai, and Ford. Fans also expressed a wish for longer and well-balanced rallies, seeking a mix of sprint events and endurance challenges on the revamped calendar. Fan feedback highlighted a hunger for increased media coverage, with opportunities for enhanced content quality and accessibility to attract a broader audience. While less than 30% of respondents attended a WRC rally in the past year, cost and distance emerged as key barriers, prompting FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to appreciate fans’ input as integral to shaping the Championship’s future trajectory.
