Rally1 is set to undergo a major transformation. The World Rally Championship’s premier Rally1 category will no longer include hybrid technology starting from the end of this season. This decision is part of a series of proposed technical regulation changes that were discussed during the recent meeting of the World Motor Sport Council. The hybrid technology significantly increases the cost of Rally1 cars, which are already priced at around €1m each. By eliminating this expensive technology, the current Rally1 cars will become obsolete by the end of the season.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who established the Working Group in December, expressed his support for the recommendations made by the WRC Working Group. The members of the World Motor Sport Council also showed unanimous support for the established objectives. The Working Group aims to make the WRC more sustainable and appealing to new manufacturers. They plan to achieve this by revamping both the sporting and technical regulations, as well as finding ways to enhance promotion and return on investment for manufacturers involved in this thrilling sport.
The WRC Commission will be responsible for drafting new regulations, which will be presented for approval at the June meeting of the World Motor Sport Council. Initially, there were suggestions to eliminate Rally1 cars altogether and replace them with a more cost-effective Rally2+ class. However, these ideas were discarded in favor of overhauling the Rally1 technical specifications. In addition to removing the expensive hybrid system, other proposals include using a smaller turbo restrictor to reduce power and imposing limits on aerodynamics.
To bridge the gap between the top two tiers of rally cars, the introduction of a new category called WRC2+ has been proposed. A ‘WRC kit’ is also recommended, which will include a larger restrictor, a bigger exhaust, added aerodynamics, and paddle shift. This kit is expected to be available starting from the 2025 season. Looking ahead to 2026, there will be a cost cap of €400,000 and a further reduction in power. Furthermore, a common safety cell has been suggested, allowing manufacturers to showcase their preferred body styles on the global stage.
Considering the increasing focus on electrification in the world of motorsport, appropriate rules will be established to accommodate electric vehicles in a specific class. The proposed sporting changes offer more flexibility to individual events in determining their itineraries. While events will have the freedom to decide when their rallies start, they will still be required to conclude with the Sunday afternoon Power Stage. The overall mileage of the rallies will remain relatively unchanged, regardless of whether the event adopts an endurance or sprint format.
In order to reduce operational costs, manufacturers will face limitations on the number of personnel allowed in a three-car team. Additionally, it has been recommended that locally sourced structures be used as the teams’ base, further reducing operational expenses. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem concluded by emphasizing the significance of reaching a point where the WRC Commission can finalize proposals that will shape the future of the championship. He also highlighted the importance of considering the results of the WRC Fan Engagement Survey during the drafting process. The goal is to create a WRC that is relevant to the present and well-prepared for the future, benefiting the championship, its stakeholders, and the rallying community as a whole.