Carlos Sainz takes on the FIA directly

The double WRC World Rally Champion, Carlos Sainz, has harshly criticized the International Automobile Federation (FIA) for their new 2008-2009 schedules and appointments; more dull than before. He also criticized the policy based on quantity rather than quality.

The 2008 World Rally Championship (WRC) will have 15 events in its schedule this season, three fewer than the 2008 Formula 1 calendar. Sainz finds this policy senseless:

« My point of divergence appeared with the FIA when they tried to make rallies like an F1 GP… From then on, they started to choose quantity over quality. »

« A rally used to disrupt the entire country’s economic life for several days in the past… now, it’s 40 cars racing, without personalities or appeal. It’s become dull, » added the Spaniard.

Sainz, who retired from motorsport in 2005 after a final season driving a Citroën Xsara alongside Loeb, also defended his former teammate and four-time world champion. He indeed believes that he deserves all the gratitude despite not having real competitors in 2008.

« What is also lacking is a large number of potential winners at each rally. Loeb hasn’t had that since Gronholm’s retirement, but he still deserves all our trust because this situation doesn’t depend on him, and he remains one of the greatest champions in history. »

« In the past, there were sometimes 7 drivers competing for a win and 4 or 5 teams capable of winning. It was great for suspense, and today without it, everything has become sadder… » concluded the 46-year-old from Madrid.

With the alternating system of events over two years, there are now 30 rallies held over two years. This indeed improves the quantity… but above all, it globalizes this increasingly popular sport in the third world.