Undoubtedly the WRC has taken quite a hit in recent years - less manufacturers, less tv coverage and less sponsors certainly isn't good. There's a big difference in crowd numbers too, i'd guess that spectator numbers on Wales Rally GB are now are maybe only a quarter of what they were ten years ago
A lot of this demise can be blamed on North One Sports - the WRC's (bad) promoter. They went into administration at the end of last year
However, now the FIA has awarded the global promotion rights to Red Bull
We know they're not short of a few quid, and with VW confirmed to join the WRC next year, as well as several other manufacturers showing interest (Hyundai look certain) lets hope the sport can get back to its best
http://www.wrc.com/news/exciting-cha...wrc/?fid=17531
And with Loeb only doing selected rounds next year, someone else might finally get a chance to win the title. Looks like this year will be his 9th title in a row, its become more boring than the Schumacher era!
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/102935