World Rally Champion Demands Change for Safety Reasons!
In a bold move that could shake up the world of Rally racing, Thierry Neuville, the reigning world champion, is pushing for four-minute gaps between Rally1 cars at the upcoming Rally Italy Sardinia. This demand comes as Neuville expresses concerns about the potential dangers posed by hanging dust on the challenging Sardinian terrain.
The current standard in WRC events sees Rally1 cars starting three minutes apart from each other. However, Neuville, backed by other top drivers like Ott Tänak and Elfyn Evans, argues that a shorter interval is insufficient for the dust to dissipate, especially on the dusty Friday stages.
Acknowledging the potential logistical challenges that a change to four-minute gaps might bring, Neuville shows sympathy towards the organizers who have meticulously planned the event around the existing time intervals. He admits, “We don’t know what the real solution is…a four-minute gap works for us as drivers, but it’s a mess for the organizers.”
Neuville’s safety concerns are echoed by his competitors, with Evans noting that while driving in dust may benefit some, it ultimately jeopardizes the safety of all participants. The debate between racer safety and operational efficiency remains at the forefront as the rallying community awaits a decision on potentially extending the time gaps between cars.
As the tension mounts and the voices of the drivers grow louder, the Rally Italy Sardinia is gearing up to be a battleground not only on the rugged tracks but also in the negotiations between the drivers and the event organizers. Stay tuned as the world of Rally racing braces for a potential paradigm shift in the name of safety and fair competition.
