This year, the new hybrid cars, powered by sustainable fossil-free fuel, were introduced, with Toyota, Hyundai and M-Sport / Ford committed for the next three years.
The FIA is already working on the future direction of the WRC from 2025 onwards, holding weekly meetings to figure out the best route, which seems to veer on a modified version of the current Rally1 regulations.
While it is difficult to predict the future, Wheatley believes that 80% of the current rules will be present in the next cycle of 2025.
“The next generation of Rally1 will not have the same number of changes that we have had for this generation of Rally1,” Wheatley told Motorsport.com.
“I would say 80% of what we currently have with Rally1 will continue for the next cycle or two. I think what we will do is a change in between and then there will be a big step in how we divert the technology at some point. Whether it’s hydrogen or fully electric battery, I honestly don’t know. “
“I don’t think 2025 will see a huge step towards something drastically different. I think the goal everyone has in the automotive industry is towards 2029 or 2030 to be able to determine which energy system to move forward on.”
“I think we will have an upcoming evolution rather than a revolution. We need to work closely with all stakeholders and this process has already begun to understand what the next step will be.”
“It’s not just about the manufacturers we currently have in the WRC, but about engaging with the various manufacturers because the big players we have at the moment will probably continue to be such. But they will inevitably be joined by others and that’s the exciting thing for the future.” .
Thierry Neuville, Martijn Wydaeghe, Hyundai World Rally Team Hyundai i20 N Rally1
Photo by: Fabien Dufour / Hyundai Motorsport
With Rally1 regulations expected to be largely unchanged in the future, Wheatley hopes this will help encourage new brands to engage, as there will be enough time to develop future programs.
“In the end, the regulations for engines and transmissions are so limited that it is very difficult, but not impossible for one manufacturer to anticipate the others in terms of development,” he added.
“Where you can go a step further in terms of development is on your overall package, making sure your car is best suited to different funds throughout the year.”
“If the chassis, brakes, suspension and aerodynamics don’t change from cycle to cycle, there will be more willingness to be involved in the process to get the most out of it.”
“I think this encourages the manufacturers to attend, because motorsport is not done in six or nine months. It is not decided today that I will win the world championship next January. It is a two or three year cycle, people need to to put together resources and team around them to be able to be successful “.
The regulations set as they are could allow new brands to consider joining the WRC, but Wheatley understands that the auto industry is currently facing several challenges that make it difficult to engage in motorsport.
“I think Manufacturers have a lot of challenges to undertake right now. There are supply chain problems for everyone and we are coming out of two years of COVID.”
“When you relate this to the problems of energy solutions, it is very difficult to sit down and talk to them, who cannot have a clear vision of the future.”
“That’s why we need to be seen as a laboratory and keep opportunities open. There will be no radical change.”
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