Considering that the UK has so many race car drivers, why are there so few good WRC rally drivers from the UK?

How can you say that?

We have 3 top flight drivers who all have works drives within the last few years - Richard Burns, Colin McRae, Alistair McRae.

We have Martin Rowe who has just won the Production Cup as well as Niall McShea, Alistair Ginley, Kris Meeke, Justin Dale etc etc, all mixing it at world level. Dont think many other countries could say the same.. Granted the scandanavians do seem to be having it their way at times but the UK and Ireland is there or thereabouts.

Paul..

Finance has a lot to do with it. In Finland rallying is a high priority national sport, not 5th or 6th in line like over here. They also have scholarships which help get sponsorship for young drivers which obviously helps get decent cars and training.

Don't forget the UK co-drivers either.

Turn it around and say why are there so few brits in F1 once upon a time there were loads.

The problem is talent does not know national barriers and it just comes in waves, the latest wave of talent seems to be from France and as always Scandinavia but Brits will rise again.

I'd like to see Guy Wilks win JWRC and then move into a WRC but then I'd also like to see world peace.

I think it is really a combination of what Mark and Paul have said. There are plenty of good talented drivers in the UK (in Rallying and many other forms of motorsport), but so much comes down to the sponsorship that a driver can bring in.

Solberg and Martin have had serious backing from local business since they were young. That has made a huge difference. Look at what Justin Wilson had to do to get a drive in F1. It is not just about talent (although in Justin's case, he is a very talented driver). Even Michael Schmacher had to pay to get his first races in F1.

In the case of WRC, there are not many teams either, which makes it even more difficult.

Of the current crop of younger rally drivers, I would tip Kris Meeke as one who has serious potential. Plus he has a lot of backing from Colin McRae, which will help.

Chris

as usual its the lack of support our country gives its sporting facilities ect

there are plenty of good up and coming driver/co drivers that just dont get the break

i mean look at the support and showing of rallying on the tv for a start, and its well stated that rally is much bigger following then F1...

oh, and big up to petter and subaru for the championship win today

Well yes finance is the biggest aspect. Its just so hard to raise the budgets you need to not only compete but to progress. Also the fact WRC teams are limited to 2 cars and the fact some have pulled/pulling out doesn't help.

There are so many VERY good young brits out there, not only in JWRC but also in the BRC and all the national championships. Its just so hard to get to the next level.

If you wanna be a proffessional tennis player, you need a raquet and ball to get off the ground. Think about what you need to start rallying.

Lack of support from the government is also a big factor (for instance, you can fox hunt on a sunday but im not allowed to run any rally cars on my own land on a sunday-whats that about? - nearest farm is over 1km away)

I am currently raising a budget to run our S1600 puma in the BRC next year. I co-drive for Jonnie Wigmore and we won the KA championship this year, prize; works supported puma from Ford RS but we still have to pay to run it. its not easy and you get one shot, thats it.

by the way; www.jonniewigmore.co.uk