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Sebastien Ogier discusses potential impacts and considerations of downgrading Rally1 cars to balance competition and reduce costs in the WRC.
Eight-time World Rally Championship (WRC) winner Sebastien Ogier has voiced his concerns about the potential downgrade of Rally1 cars to align with lower-spec competitors.
The suggestion has emerged amidst ongoing debates over technical regulations in the sport a topic that has seen extensive discussion without a clear resolution.
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12:00 - 24.04.2024
Sebastien Ogier criticizes new WRC points system as 'joke' after Rally Croatia victory
Sebastien Ogier has criticizes the new WRC points system claiming that it devalues victories after his win at the Croatia Rally.
Ogier shared his perspectives following recent developments that could significantly impact the future dynamics of rally racing.
"Eight cars in the main category is too few," Ogier explained to DirtFish.
"[A decision] has to happen as soon as possible – but maybe not in a hurry with the wrong decision. Maybe there is some rethinking, or there will be more discussion about it, because I felt that what came out recently was slightly wrong. It doesn’t make so much sense to ask a current team to downgrade the car [to] the level of some other competitor which has invested so much less money to do that," he said.
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21:00 - 21.04.2024
Ogier capitalises on rivals' misfortune for dramatic win at Croatia Rally
The eight-time former world champion clinched a surprise win at Croatia Rally capitalizing on key errors by competitors to secure his 100th podium.
This is not the first time Ogier has had to adapt to changes within the sport.
The Frenchman recalled his switch from Citroën to Volkswagen in 2012, a move that preceded the German manufacturer's debut in the WRC with a less advanced Škoda Fabia S2000, ahead of their Polo R WRC launch in 2013.
"The more spectacular the car, the better it is, for us and for the fans," Ogier continued.
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06:32 - 16.06.2023
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"But if it downgrades a little bit, it will not be the end of the world. I’m quite sure it will be spectacular to watch still, and we could accept a little bit of downgrade if it’s needed to reduce the cost and to have more entries in the top category. That’s not the biggest issue for me."
Besides technical regulations Ogier also expressed concerns over the need for better promotion in the WRC and the strategic direction of the racing calendar.
"There are some positives, honestly," he said. "There is a lot of people, a very massive crowd in most of the stages. And the itinerary improved this year: we didn’t spend as much time on the road section as the years before, so there was more rhythm – especially into the Friday. I think that’s very positive."
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