The technical direction that the World Rally Championship will take has been subject to much debate in recent years. Following the travails of the push to introduce hybrids, and their subsequent removal for 2025, the FIA has now published details of the new Rally1 regulations for 2027 onward.
Key to the new regulations is cost saving. With current cars costing in the region of €750,000 (US$788,000), the rules will introduce a cap of €345,000 (US$362,000). The FIA said, “These cost savings will be achieved though component cost specifications rather than financial regulations. There will also be savings in the technical designs of certain components that will make them more durable over the course of a rally.” Moves will also be made to cut running and logistics costs, with a reduction in team personnel at rallies and greater use of local facilities.
The current spaceframe chassis will remain, with the intent being to increase the range of bodystyles that are catered for, from hatchbacks through saloons and SUVs, which can be scaled to fit. However, the cars will be much closer mechanically to the current Rally2 machines, with engines, transmissions and suspension components based on those found in the lower class.
Where hybrid and electrification fits in the plan remains to be confirmed, with the FIA simply stating, “The World Rally Championship was one of the pioneers of sustainably fuelled motorsport, mandating its use in 2022, and with the 2027 regulations, there is built-in freedom between sustainably fueled internal combustion engines, hybrid powertrains or fully electric solutions. The initial target is for competitors to utilise sustainably fueled ICE in 2027, with diversification including hybrid systems, or fully electric technologies, that could be introduced at a later stage.”
On announcement of the regulations, the three works manufacturers, Hyundai, Toyota and M-Sport Ford, responded positively. However, there have been some misgivings voiced around the feasibility of the cost cap, given that the current price for a Rally2 car is already €300,000 (US$315,000).
