I don't know whether it is just me, but i am dissapointed next years GB rally will be in September. It is the weather and unpredictability of the event which makes it so special.

There are benefits to running it in september, i.e longer daylight hours. David Richards has said it has been moved because of concerns with the weather!!!

As much as like the thought of doing two rallies in the year (don't get abroad) I have to confess when I found out the GB round had shifted for 2004 I was a bit miffed, personally I liked that it was the final round of the season especially if the title went down to the wire.

And going to Wales in November you know the chances are it's going to be cold and wet and muddy...........that's why I've got thermals and waterproofs, don't go for the sunshine go for the rallying.

Besides there will always be some justification for moving things, just like all the reasons they give for the other changes to the regs for next season.....Good or bad!!!

I agree it just won't be the same in September.

You could always go to New Zealand, as they have done the oposite there and moved it to their Winter, which the organisors are not happy about at all. Of course a diferent justification for that was given by the FIA.

I don't think Dave Richards had much say in the decision!!!

I'd have to sell me waterproofs and a lot more to get to NZ but yeah wouldn't that be great!

I just wish they wouldn't fix what 'aint broken.

I reckon Dave Richards probably had some say, lets not forget he owns the TV rights to WRC, so I would think he had some input.

Cheers
James

Dave Richards is mad at the FIA right now, he has less power than you would think it seems.

To quote DR from Autosport "If you're now saying that the Presidents of the FIA and the Raliies Comission can make decisions for the WRC, then this is a serious situation for the series"

and now the FIA have changed their mind, yet again.

http://www.wrc.com/en_GB/News/2003/012/2003_R_IT_DATESWITCHFORNZ.htm

The mind boggles.

[Edited by johnfelstead - 9/19/2003 1:59:56 PM]

That's right John ! The FIA seem to be riding roughshod over the Manufacturers, Drivers and the Teams at the moment.

Dave Richards' is quoted as saying "We are going into a very dangerous phase" and is not amused at the limitation on the number of cars in a manufacturer's team to 2 saying "that 2 car teams would produce a less spectacular show and do little to introduce new talent"

Maybe it would be good if Dave Richards did have a little more say, the guy hasn't got where he is without making a few good decisions! I'm sure he know's all the key people and the impression I get of the man, he'd listen.

COULDN'T AGREE MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!