The FIA is exploring ambitious plans to strengthen its presence in China. The governing body wants to bring a Chinese car manufacturer into the WRC, or host a WRC round in China—or possibly both. If realized, this could be a game-changer for the world's most prestigious rally championship.
China last hosted a WRC round in 1999. It was on the 2016 calendar, but those plans were scrapped due to storm damage and flooding on mountain roads north of Beijing. Now, after more than two decades, talk of China's return to the WRC map is gaining momentum.
FIA Road Sport director Emilia Abel confirmed she held meetings with Chinese manufacturers at the Dakar Rally in January. She described their level of interest as "really impressive". Two names widely mentioned are Lynk & Co and its parent company, Geely Auto.
Lynk & Co has long been linked with the WRC. Late last year, speculation emerged that M-Sport could join forces with a Chinese manufacturer in 2027, when the WRC introduces its new generation of cars. However, M-Sport team principal Richard Millener dismissed the rumors at Rally Portugal.
"There is definitely no truth in that! But some different partners have been interested in the regulations, the situation in the championship and the direction the series is heading in. I think that's positive, but Malcolm [Wilson] has worked with Ford for over 25 years and he doesn't want a change. So our primary goal is to try to see if there is something available from Ford," Millener said.
Chinese car manufacturers are particularly known for their electric vehicles, but FIA technical director Xavier Mestelan Pinon said other powertrain options are also under discussion. "Honestly, their scope is very broad. There is also V8, but also EV and hybrid technology. They are covering all the technologies. It's not just electric," he explained.
Despite efforts on sporting and technical fronts to boost the WRC's popularity, one major barrier for manufacturers is the return on investment. FIA Deputy President for Sport Malcolm Wilson stressed that cost is currently the key issue.
"The problem at the moment is that people come and look at Toyota and Hyundai. To be honest, you don't need to be a rocket scientist to see that a massive investment has been made. I think we need to do something about that. Together with the promoter, we have plans to scale the whole thing down in one sense, to make it more attractive, more entertaining and provide a better return on investment. At the end of the day, it's about return on investment," Wilson stressed.
Baca Juga
FIA bidik China untuk bawa pabrikan atau putaran baru ke WRC. Minat pabrikan China disebut mengesankan, tapi biaya jadi tantangan utama.
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