Lapworth: WRC on the way up

Lapworth is not involved in the championship anymore since he switched to a role on Prodrive's Formula One project, but he has kept a close eye on the state of the series.

"They've had a tough time over the last couple of years, but the WRC seems to be on the way up," he said on the central stage at the Autosport International show.

"There is a natural cycle for any championship with manufacturers coming in and out. It's about getting the right balance between moving the sport forward but not frightening away the people that are already there."

WRC entries were poor at times in 2006, with the low point coming when only 10 cars entered Rally Australia. However, the numbers are already looking better for this year.

Lapworth added: "You get the feeling that things are on the increase now. All of the signs are very positive.

"I've never seen the organisers and the manufacturers working so well together. There is such a strong consensus about where the sport should go in the next five years."