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Sainz hits out at state of WRC

Two-time world rally champion Carlos Sainz believes that rallies are now dull, and has criticised the FIA for choosing "quantity over quality"

The World Rally Championship has 15 roundsthis year, three less than Formula One.

Sainz reckons it was a mistake for rallies to try and follow Formula One's lead.

"The inflection point in the rallies came when the FIA tried to make them similar to F1," Sainz was quoted as saying by the Efe news agency. "They began choosing quantity over quality.

"A rally, which used to be an event that could paralyse the country, has become a small race with 40 cars, with little personality and dull," the Spaniard added.

Sainz, who retired from the sport in 2005, also defended four-time champion Sebastien Loeb, who he reckons deserves all the credit despite having been left without most of his renowned rivals following the retirement of Marcus Gronholm.

"What I miss it's the variety of winners," he said. "With Marcus Gronholm's retirement it seems easier for Loeb, but you don't have to take credit away from him. It's not his fault. He is one of the best champions in history.

"It is true that there have been years with seven title contenders, with four or five different manufactures. That doesn't happen today. For the competition that's sad."

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