Neuville’s reaction to Rally1 rules decision – and why it matters

When news of the World Rally Championship’s Rally1 regulations being retained by the FIA dropped, the usual talking heads were quoted.

Mohammed ben Sulayem, FIA president, was front and center of the governing body’s news release. Then there was WRC Promoter managing director Jona Siebel and the manufacturer team figureheads, as you’d expect from such a momentous regulatory decision.

There was another familiar but unexpected name proffering comment on the decision – Thierry Neuville. Drivers are stakeholders in the literal sense but for a current driver to be given the platform to offer their opinion in an official FIA release is highly unusual.

It’s indicative of how vocal and persistent Neuville has been when it comes to rallying’s future. Back in March, Neuville explained his vision for the future in detail to DirtFish and had two main things to say: that the proposed changes to sporting regulations and marketing were a positive but the technical regulations should remain unchanged to encourage short-term stability.

The first phase of that Neuville masterplan has now come to fruition: Rally1 stays as it is for another two years and the other proposed technical changes have been abandoned. And he is understandably pleased.

“It is good to hear today that we have the stability the teams have requested and from the meetings we had in Sardinia,” said Neuville. “It looks like there are some interesting proposals on the table for the future development of the sport. In addition to this, the FIA’s increased promotional efforts promise to elevate our sport’s profile and deliver greater value to all stakeholders.”

He is ‘just’ a driver. But he’s also part of the reason the wheels have suddenly started moving rapidly on sweeping changes to how the WRC operates and what it’s medium-term future will look like.

Expressing his displeasure at the state of the championship very publicly midway through last season, Neuville ignited a fire that’s now burning brightly in the halls of power. As M-Sport team principal Rich Millener told DirtFish at Rally Italy Sardinia, he’d never seen so much change taking place in such a short space of time.

It’s a far cry from three years earlier, on the eve of Rally1 regulations being introduced, when Neuville decried that “the drivers are not listened to anymore.” Today’s announcement – plus the recent introduction of Scott Martin as the competitor representative to the FIA’s WRC Commission – suggests the tide is changing.

“As a driver,” continued Neuville, “I am excited to see the changes that will not only maintain but enhance our connection with fans worldwide, ensuring that the sport continues to grow and thrive.”

While changes to the technical regulations have been binned, additional flexibility for rally organizers and how they design WRC itineraries is pressing ahead as one of several changes to the sporting regulations.

Neuville wasn’t the only unexpected name passing comment on Tuesday’s WMSC meeting – Rally Sweden’s general manager Anna Nordkvist was also given an opportunity to chime in.

“From the side of the organizers, there are a lot of positive initiatives starting now that are going to bring a big benefit to the sport and the fans,” said Nordkvist.

“All of the rallies are different, but with more flexibility and more focus on the fan experience, everyone will benefit. The work being done on the Sporting Regulations is really important for us.”