The Industry Column – 21st July
After sweeping plans to further develop and promote the FIA World Rally Championship were approved at the recent meeting of the World Motor Sport Council, Simon Long, CEO of ISC – the commercial and media rights holder for the WRC – talks through what he believes will be a bright future for the sport.
“The new blueprint for the WRC has been heralded as a major step forward by all the major stakeholders, and is the start of a brave new world for the sport. It builds on the rich heritage and history of WRC. It will enable the sport to adapt to the demands of a rapidly changing media and commercial world.
These plans give us a stable foundation on which to build the series, and a unique opportunity to create something very special for years to come – for the fans, the media, the teams and the events.
The calendar, technical regulations and greater flexibility for organisers to develop their event’s unique character are a few of the notable developments for the future. However a raft of additional amendments to the 2010 Sporting Regulations will ensure WRC has the freedom to build on its core values while forging ahead in the areas of new media and entertainment.
The 13 event 2010 calendar is a combination of 9 events which had previously been confirmed by the FIA plus 4 other events, Finland, Spain, GB and Portugal, thereby extending the calendar from 12 to 13 events.
In drawing up our future calendar recommendations, the overriding focus will be on quality as we look to combine the world’s best drivers and cars with the best events. That means quality not only in terms of a well run event but also in the way events are marketed and promoted in the interests of spectators, viewers, the media, car manufacturers and commercial partners.
This will not be a one-size-fits-all approach. We recognise the need for everyone involved in building a healthy and sustainable WRC to have some forward visibility. Thus, we will be entering into multi-year Events agreements with a number of core events in order to give stability and allow appropriate planning with key parties such as sponsors, broadcasters and local government to everyone’s advantage.
We’re introducing a 1600cc turbo engine in 2011. This brings WRC in line with the way the automotive industry and public opinion is moving towards more energy efficient engines. At the same time, this will further support our efforts to attract new manufacturers and car brands into our sport with the prospect of more cost effective and relevant WRC car regulations.
Event organisers will have more flexibility over the design of their events. The beauty of going to so many distinctive and spectacular locations around the world is the unique character which each event can bring to the Championship and how we promote it. We need to make more of a virtue of the sheer variety of experience and geographical reach which WRC can offer.
By allowing Organisers more flexibility over the make-up of their event we anticipate being able to connect with a wider landscape of communities, places and fans. The prospect of mixed surfaces will only add to the unpredictability and challenge which characterises the sport of rallying.
