The WRC reverses course: it will keep hybrid Rally1 until 2026

As previously reported, it was conceivable that the FIA ​​would make a U-turn on what was announced last February, when the decision to phase out the Rally1 cars in their current guise was announced. On the contrary, in fact, the current regulation will remain until 2026, with a change of direction ratified during the WMSC meeting held today in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

The proposal put forward in February by the FIA ​​working group was based on the elimination of hybrid power from Rally1 cars starting next year, as part of a plan aimed at bringing Rally2 cars closer also through a reduction in aerodynamics, with a modified rear wing and a smaller air restrictor.

This choice to intervene on the Rally 1 also coincided with the proposal to introduce an optional upgrade kit for the Rally 2 cars, in order to increase their performance and allow some competitors to fight more consistently. It was hoped that bringing performance closer together would increase registrations and ensure a smooth transition to a new technical regulation in 2027.

However, the changes to Rally1 and Rally2 were strongly opposed by teams and manufacturers, so much so that in April a letter was sent to the FIA ​​requesting that the current rules be maintained. The teams’ main concerns were the short time frame to redesign, test and validate changes to the cars ahead of next season and the fact that investments had already been made in the current cars, which are expected to compete in a five-year homologation cycle [2022-2026].

“Technical stability has been agreed between all stakeholders for the 2025 and 2026 seasons of the FIA ​​World Rally Championship. The World Council has confirmed that, following extensive feedback and discussions, the WRC Technical Regulations for Rally1/ 2 will remain unchanged for the next two years,” read a statement from the FIA.

“All stakeholders are working positively together on the regulations for 2027 and there is good consensus among World Council members and manufacturers on the key objectives which primarily aim to increase participation in the championship, as previously set by the FIA.”

“The World Council expects current manufacturers to commit well in advance to the long-term future of the sport. These regulations will be presented for approval at the December meeting of the World Council, allowing manufacturers to comply with more than two years in advance”, we read in the statement released at the end of the World Council.

“Following a clear investment commitment from the WRC promoter, the FIA ​​will strengthen its team in the commercial and communications departments to extend its support to the promoter and key stakeholders for the promotion of the championship.”

“There will be a strong focus on the management of the sporting regulations following the creation of the WRC Sporting Working Group, with a key emphasis on increasing media activation opportunities and reducing costs for competitors. The final versions of these regulations athletes will be proposed in the October session of the WMSC”.

Grégoire Munster, Louis Louka, M-Sport Ford World Rally Team Ford Puma Rally1

Photo by: M-Sport

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem added: “The WRC is extremely important to the FIA, it is the pinnacle of the rally discipline and I have had many conversations with manufacturers over the last few weeks about its future direction. It is now clear that we have all need for technical stability for the next two years, but at the same time it is important for the FIA ​​that, in providing this stability, we receive the same commitment from the manufacturers.”

How the teams and the WRC reacted to the decision

Unsurprisingly, reaction to the decision has been positive from both the WRC promoter and teams, with the former describing the move as an “extremely important moment”.

“As promoters of the WRC, this is an extremely important moment for us, as we can move forward with unity and stability for the next two years from a technical point of view, while investing in new and exciting ways to grow the WRC fanbase this sport and to satisfy our fans,” said WRC promoter CEO Jona Siebel.

This is a move that, according to Toyota, will allow teams to save money and have more time to focus on the 2027 regulations. “It’s great news because if we think about this cycle, the investments that have been made make sense for a cycle that is normally five years,” said Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala. “If we had made changes now we would have had to make a big investment, so it is a very smart choice to focus on stability and then directly approach the new regulations for 2027.”

Ott Tänak, Martin Järveoja, Hyundai World Rally Team Hyundai i20 N Rally1

Photo credit: McKlein / Motorsport Images

Hyundai was hit hardest by this change in direction, as it pushed it to abandon plans to design an all-new car for 2025 given regulatory uncertainty. “We have worked closely with the FIA ​​over the last few months and we are all convinced that the stability of the technical regulations for 2025 and 2026 is the right thing, but the substantial steps taken on governance will allow a more unified and positive approach towards improvements short-term and the long-term progress the sport needs,” said team principal Cyril Abiteboul.

While he is pleased with the vote in favor which ensured stability in the regulations, M-Sport Ford boss Malcolm Wison says the time has come to implement the proposals to improve the way the championship is promoted and advertised.

“This is a very positive step for us in the coming years,” Wilson said. “We have seen some good proposals on the promotional front, on the marketing front, on the plans for the racing operations and now the work must begin to make these things happen. I think there is a possibility of achieving our ambitious goals for the WRC.”

The FIA ​​has also confirmed its intention to extend its exclusive Junior WRC car supply contract with M-Sport Poland for the Ford Fiesta Rally3 EVO until 2025.