I drew up a manifesto for the revival of rallying about five years ago. I just wish it would be put into practice. It would revive the sport in no time at all. It was spectacular, affordable and had relevance for road car technology. It would bring every maufacturer under the sun into play and most importantly bring the spectators back.
The concept is based around common spec components to keep costs down. There would be a spec transmission and drivetrain package- a mechanical diff, rear wheel drive and a manual six speed gearbox devoid of any electronics, and a spec coilover, twin wishbone suspension package. A manufacturer would then supply any body shell from their range and a turbo 1600 or a 2500 atmo engine, and fit the spec trans and suss package. Aero and exterior bodywork would be free to make the cars look good but would be made using non carbon composites to save money. The engines would be cost capped and would have to be made available to privateers for no more than 20,000 euro per unit to avoid the use of exotic internals. A standardised turbo and ECU would used by all teams again to cut costs and prevent development budgets spiralling.
The events would run for a minimum of four days and include a minimum of 20% stage mileage run in darkness. Servicing would be restricted to 3 mechanics per entry and the total spares package minus fuel and tyres would have to fit in a two metre cube box. Mechanics and spares would have to fit in a Vito sized van and follow the event around the route- no centralised servicing to prevent an event staying in one place. Management cars, chase cars, tyre note cars etc would be banned. All teams would run a spec tyre too- if it doesn't suit the conditions then drive accordingly... Everyone is in the same boat.
There is much more to it then that, but I have it all written down somewhere.
The cars would be simple and quick and very spectacular to watch, the event would be spread out around the host country bringing in more spectators, who would then create a demand for more media coverage, which in turn would bring more publicity, more manufactures would follow. The manufacturers would have a platform on which they could be competetive without having to develop expensive suspension and transmission systems, or spend hundreds of thousands on composites, and have cheaper on event costs. The result is a very low publicity to cost ratio, which in today's world is just what is needed. The spectators and the media would have a cracking sport to follow once again. It's a win win situation for all involved.
At the moment it's dogged by huge costs, a lack of media interest and a lack of manufacturers. Something radical needs to be done, and done quickly.
Si
