Why the WRC's unorthodox Monza ending was a necessary one

The Monza Rally was an unusual way to end an unusual WRC season, and while far from ideal, without it the series could have faced serious ramifications. To persuade stakeholders to commit to an uncertain future, Monza was an important showcase…

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Over the years, the Monza Rally Show has brought colour to the close season when our thoughts are usually preoccupied by the dark, wet trudge through winter. It has also provided a kind of Race of Champions vibe, bringing stars from different disciplines together – not least the allure of those other-worldly types who race in MotoGP.

Monza without the megawatt star power of Valentino Rossi, without crowds and with little more than a grim determination to draw a line under 2020 was rather different. The sight of WRC cars endlessly pootling around the same muddy stage was unedifying at best. But be in no doubt that this was arguably the WRC's most important event for decades.