WRC to drop hybrid technology from 2025
WRC Teams Weigh in on FIA’s Vision for the Future
The World Rally Championship (WRC) is bracing for a seismic shift as the FIA unveils its ambitious plans for the future of rallying's top tier, set to kickstart next year. The proposed overhaul encompasses a sweeping array of changes in both technical and sporting regulations, as well as a strategic approach to championship promotion.
Among the most striking decisions is the removal of control hybrid units from Rally1 cars starting in the 2025 season. This move marks a departure from the hybrid power integral to the Rally1 regulations introduced in 2022, aiming to curtail costs associated with the current million-euro price tag of Rally1 cars. Despite the cost-cutting goal, initial adaptations for 2025 are anticipated to necessitate additional resources.
The revised Rally1 cars sans hybrid power will continue to compete until the end of 2026, coinciding with the phased introduction of new regulations forming the bedrock of the Rally1 class from 2027. These revamped cars, envisioned to generate approximately 330 horsepower while adhering to a more budget-friendly cap of €400,000 or $800,000 AUD, aim to sustain competitiveness while fostering financial viability.
Credit: FIA
Richard Millener, M-Sport-Ford team principal, has voiced support for the FIA's strategic direction, particularly lauding efforts to enhance event formats. However, he underscores concerns regarding the tight deadlines proposed for implementing these changes, stressing the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to navigate potential challenges.
David Richards, a key figure in the FIA task force steering the future vision, acknowledges the demanding timeframe for teams to adapt to technical regulation changes for 2025. Emphasizing the financial benefits of redirecting resources from technical expenditure to championship promotion, he highlights the imperative of strategic resource allocation.
Hyundai's team principal, Cyril Abiteboul, has urged a measured approach to evaluating the proposed changes, emphasizing the need for thorough deliberation considering their extensive implications. While advocating for a transitional period to assess the impact on short to mid-term plans, Abiteboul asserts Hyundai's commitment to engaging constructively with stakeholders in shaping the championship's future trajectory.
Amidst the unfolding discourse, Toyota, the reigning world champion, remains notably silent on the proposed changes, leaving room for speculation about its stance on the impending transformation.
As the WRC braces for a paradigm shift, the coming months promise intense deliberations and collaborative efforts to realize the FIA's vision while navigating the challenges inherent in ushering in a new era of rallying excellence.