M-Sport has released an interview made on their behalf with team director Malcolm Wilson before Rally of Portugal, concerning expectations about the new generation of 2017 formula World Rally Cars.
“There is no question these cars are going to be significantly quicker than the current WRC car,” Wilson said.
“And thinking back to the old Group B days, we saw very soon that because of newer technology the times set by the Group B cars were being broken. Nobody thought they would be, but they were. There is no question, although (the 2017 cars) won't have as much power, they will certainly cover the ground a lot quicker than what the Group B cars did, because the way the transmission, suspension, tyres, brakes, everything has moved on since then.
“Regarding the question of which drivers should be allowed to compete in these cars, this issue certainly has an influence on M-Sport on the commercial side because obviously we survive by having people in our World Rally Cars.
“I don't think there will be an issue with the calibre of drivers we currently run. I suppose if there was a 20 year old with no such experience, then they would look at it. If you look at the people who are currently running in WRC cars I am absolutely sure that the last thing the FIA wants is restrict that level of competitors.
“At the end of the day the events need the entries, and obviously we need to sell cars, or run cars, to survive in WRC as well. These cars are going to be more expensive than the current cars, so there is no question that it is going to be a limited market as well. There is no question there will be people out there who want to drive the latest level of machinery.
“Regarding our 2017 development work, we are still progressing. We hope to have a chassis running some of the new 2017 rules components from July onwards. This ‘mule car’ will be based on an old type body shell at the moment.
“I am really excited about it all. These cars are definitely going to catch the imagination, they are going to look sexy, going to have performance. It is an era that personally I am really looking forward to.”
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