Malcolm Wilson’s Vision: Reviving the WRC’s Global Profile
Bottom line: M‑Sport boss and FIA deputy president Malcolm Wilson is pushing a new promoter, cheaper factory cars and star power to bring the World Rally Championship back to the spotlight.
Malcolm Wilson’s Vision: Reviving the WRC’s Global Profile
Image: Malcolm Wilson’s Vision: Reviving the WRC’s Global Profile – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Design & Looks – What’s Changing?
Wilson says the next two years will focus on a fresh commercial partner for the WRC. The deal, expected within two months, will hand over rights from the current Red Bull/KW25 group to a promoter with a “big, long‑term vision”. While the visual side of the sport won’t flip overnight, the new owner plans to roll out a stronger brand identity, more TV‑friendly graphics and a clearer event schedule.
Performance & Mileage – The 2027 Technical Regulations
The upcoming 2027 Rally1 rulebook is a game‑changer. It lets manufacturers design their own chassis and power units while imposing a price cap that should cut car costs by more than 50 %. This should open the door for extra factory teams – Wilson hopes for 4‑6, maybe even ten in the longer term. He also highlighted the solid showing of customer Fiesta WRC2 cars at Monte Carlo, proving the platform is already competitive.
| Engine | Mileage | Price | Top Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 L turbocharged (Rally1 spec) | N/A – rally cars are built for performance, not road mileage | ≈ €1.5 million (including development costs) |
|
Price & Rivals – Where Does M‑Sport Stand?
Ford’s factory effort, run by M‑Sport, finished 2nd‑3rd‑5th at the Dakar despite navigation errors. Wilson is confident the cars are fast enough to win if the team avoids those slips. He also notes that only two serious Rally1 manufacturers remain, a sharp drop from the seven‑team peak. The new rules and promoter should lure back rivals like Hyundai and Toyota and maybe attract newcomers such as Citroën or Subaru.
FAQ
- What is the main goal of the new WRC promoter? To inject capital, create a unified marketing platform and attract high‑profile personalities that boost the sport’s global reach.
- When will the 2027 technical regulations take effect? They are slated for the 2027 season, giving manufacturers time to design cheaper, manufacturer‑built Rally1 cars.
- Is the WRC likely to see more factory teams soon? Wilson expects 4‑6 serious entries within a few years, with a realistic chance of reaching ten if the new cost structure works.
What do you think about Wilson’s plan? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Read Official News
