Andrea Adamo has become a technical advisor to the WSC Group, Marcello Lotti’s company that is behind the TCR and ETCR concepts. However, the former Hyundai Motorsport boss has carved out some time to comment on the WRC news. And considering that the Italian engineer and manager does not mince words, the result has been a string of headlines. However, if there is something Adamo is clear that hybrid ‘Rally1’ vehicles are not what is expected and that they have been one of the great mistakes of the World Rally Championship in recent years.
Many are those who believe that the hybrid ‘Rally1’ are not up to their predecessors, as they do not convey the same sensations. Also, the hybrid technology that has made these cars heavier is not relevant. Andrea Adamoas they say colloquially, is in this boat: “I am convinced that the new cars they should have been based on the existing ‘Rally2’, but with a larger restrictor flange and evolved aerodynamics. There would be more client builders and pilots. More competition with less expensive cars. We are very far from that».
Adam continues: «The Rally1 are more sophisticated by definition, especially in their electronics. However, they are limited in suspensions, engines and many other aspects. I have many questions about this concept. Hybrid WRC vehicles have been a mistake. I think the engine is too expensive to have the same turbo challenger as a ‘Rally2’. With this crisis, make such sophisticated vehicles, with significant costs in a hybridization that makes no sense except for the links. Many drivers don’t use the extra power on the stage because they prefer the simplicity of racing without it.”
Acknowledging his share of the blame, Adamo states: «I wonder if we did the right thing. I suppose he will bear some of the blame despite opposing the majority. In the end, the WRC has no new constructors and it doesn’t look like one will be coming in any time soon. It wouldn’t be unusual for us to have one less mark soon. This WRC is pretty boring. There are countries interested, but I don’t know to what extent the fans are. The task of the promoter does not help either because live broadcasts are focused on an audience that already knows what they are looking for.
Quite critical of the current rally concept and the broadcasts that are carried out, Adamo concludes: «The promoter invests in us having new, spectacular cars. They run on circuits like Monza or Spa and that brings together a lot of people, but I don’t know to what extent that gives visibility. Television rights do not contribute anything. What manufacturer is going to feel attracted by a sport that does not give visibility and in which the experience of the fans live and on television is debatable to say the least? Well that».
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Photos: FIA WRC