WRC star Matthew Wilson feels that the World Rally Championship has been given a massive opportunity, and has the potential to grow faster than ever, after the recent events surrounding the Formula 1 race fixing scandal.
Speaking ahead of RallyRACC Catalunya, the penultimate round of the FIA World Rally Chamionship, Wilson said: “The World Rally Championship is definitely now seen as a ‘cleaner’ motorsport by sponsors, fans and the media. I also think it is arguably a more exciting series. High profile drivers like Kimi Raikonnen, who competed earlier in the season in Finland, feel it is something they want to participate in and that is only going to help raise the profile of our sport.
“In the WRC you would never get the type of frustration that led to Nelson Piquet’s crash. In every sport there are team orders, we have all experienced it, but it’s about how you react and certainly not about putting people’s lives in danger.”
Wilson, an Airwaves Pro ambassador, believes the penalty handed out to Renault was justified but also expressed that motorsport needs to ensure it retains manufacturers.
“All those involved have been punished,” he added. “This has certainly caused a lot of publicity and sponsors had to decide whether to stay or go. I think that Renault needs to draw a line under the issue and move on now.”
Heading to Spain for the WRC, with only five points separating Mikko Hirvonen and Sebastien Loeb at the top of the standings, Wilson is delighted about this season’s battle.
“In the last two years Sebastien has never been behind on points coming into the final two rounds, so we will have to see how he handles that pressure. Although Citroen are in front in the manufacturer’s championship, all of the top four drivers have to be at their best and the drives of Jari-Matti Latvala and Dani Sordo are just as important in deciding the overall drivers Championship,” said Wilson.
“Obviously you have to drive your own rally but Dani, being his home event, will be pushing hard to finish ahead of Mikko. Both Jari-Matti and Dani can help their respective team mates tactically so it will be interesting to see how it turns out.”
With one round remaining after this weekend, which takes place at Rally GB later in October, the title race is all set to go down to the wire for an exciting end to the season.
“Jari-Matti and Mikko have both driven well at GB in the past and Seb is always fast in Spain. Mikko has been doing lots of testing in preparation for the end of the season so if he can stay ahead of Loeb in Spain, I feel he can bring it home for Ford at GB.”
Commenting on his own end to the season, in which he currently lies in seventh position, Wilson is optimistic about a final flourish to what will be his best season yet. “Running GB earlier in the year means the stages will be in perfect condition. I have been doing some work on the car and when it comes to GB, and here in Spain, I am looking to end my season on a high. I know Henning Solberg and I both want to stay ahead of the Citroen Juniors. It’s exciting and we will have to see who comes out on top as it looks like it will be tense all the way to the end.”
