Its all about FIA regs. I remember well in'90's, in group A times and just before WRC class, top Group A Ford Escort Cosworth costed around 300 000 Deutch Marks (DEM) and it's like 150 000€. Lots of privateers were battling at least in their countries against works drivers. Today you must pay 250 000€ only for R5 car and WRC car costs around 750 000€. Rent of R5 car for WRC event costs around 45 000€ and WRC car around 200 000€ (works car). Its all sick these days but its all about the money unfrotunately