More events like the Monza Rally Show would be “good” for WRC – Latvala

The World Rally Championship could benefit from hosting exhibition-style events such as the Monza Rally Show, according to Toyota team principal zari-matti latvala,

All three WRC Rally1 teams took part in a revived Monza rally show earlier this month, which served as a celebration of the 2024 season, as well as a tribute to Pirelli’s four-year tenure as the championship’s controlling tire supplier. Also gave.

The Monza Rally Show has built a strong following since its debut in 1978, regularly attracting the biggest names in motorsport, including MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi who is a seven-time event winner.

This year’s revamped event saw crowds turn out to see the WRC’s elite go head-to-head on the famous stages of the Monza circuit. Adrian Fourmaux win over the new world champion Thierry Neuville At the Masters Show.

Latvala, who was one of the WRC drivers who competed, believes the concept was successful and thinks an event of this nature could fit well into the future WRC calendar.

This year the WRC has changed the event format with the introduction of a more condensed 48-hour concept at Rally Sardinia.

“I’ve really enjoyed it, it’s been nice to drive, and coming here to Italy, where there are so many fans, has been really nice,” Latvala said.

“I think we can have (something) in the championship, and for me it’s not necessary for all the events to be the same, so in some events we can have a sprint-type event in Monza, like a show.

“If we have 13 or 14 championship rallies we can probably do two or three smaller events, two days and a show, but still have some competition. I think it will be a good thing for the championship.”

Hyundai’s Neuville is also a fan of the event, but feels the championship should focus on improving other areas before focusing on adding an exhibition-style round to its schedule.

“It’s fun, I’ve been to Monza several times, it’s nice,” Neuville told Autosport.

“I don’t know (whether the WRC should organize more such events). It’s good to do something at the end of the season and possibly at the beginning of the year to launch the season, but overall I would say we have other problems that we need to solve first and we need to focus on those.