Changes could force works team out

One of the leading manufacturers in the World Rally Championship has warned that the radical proposals for next year's series might force it to reconsider its involvement, according to this week's AUTOSPORT magazine

Jul 10, 2003, 2:06 PM

The cost-cutting measures formulated by the FIA were discussed by rally organisers, manufacturers, technical and sporting officials at a meeting in Paris last Thursday, with the notion of expanding the WRC calendar from 14 to 16 rounds high on the agenda.

But one team boss, who declined to be named, said that this could cost the manufacturer involved its place in the sport. "I can see where they [the FIA] are trying to save us money," said the team boss. "But it doesn't come close to saying what it will cost for us to go to two new countries. If this 16-rally calendar goes ahead, then it could well call into question our current position in the championship.

Mexico and Japan are the countries most likely to fill the two extra slots next year. The Mexico event is planned for mid-march, with Japan set to be run in September, a fortnight before Rally GB.