According to DirtFish sources, Rally1 cars will remain in World Rally Championship the next two years as FIA will make important announcements on the upcoming World Motor Council on June 11.
More specifically, a stakeholder told to DirtFish that the Rally1 regulations will stay the same until the end of 2026 which means that the plug-in system will continue existing on the Rally1 machineries. In addition to that, it is speculated that the point system will be modified in terms of the number of cars that can score points for a team. Currently, a manufacturer can field two or three nominated cars to score points for the championship, but the target of the new regulations is to attract more drivers and to have more cars at the top level. This can be achieved by giving the opportunity to the teams to score points for the championship with some drivers who are not on the main squad as it happens in MotoGP. For instance, a driver, who will compete with a specific Rally1 car, has the chance to give points to the manufacturer from which he has rented the car. Finally, the cell chassis is set to remain to the regulations of 2027 while it must be mentioned that FIA took into account very seriously the demands of M-Sport Ford, Toyota and Hyundai not to drop the current Rally1 cars from the sport at the end of this year.
"Ultimately, the decision is the sensible one", a stakeholder said to DirtFish.
"I think the FIA can see that significant change is not sensible six or seven months out from the start of a new season.
"The WRC Working Group was tasked with exploring change for the medium and long-term in the WRC.
"In fairness to the FIA, to Robert Reid and to David Richards, that was done.
"Avenues were explored – the teams said they wanted action and action was put on the table.
"The teams don’t want that change and it’s sensible all around to be respectful of that.
"The change in points structure makes sense, it’s an easy way to encourage more Rally1 cars into the service park.
"I think there’s probably frustration from the WRC Working Group, but one of the key points that seems to have been lost in all of this is the work, the potential framework which has been provided for 2027.
"People have become so focused on next year, they’ve missed the real story which is the variety of options and potential manufacturer engagement in 2027.
"EV, ICE with sustainable fuel, hydrogen, and possible mix of all of the above via balance of performance… everything is on the table.
"We know Alpine wanted EV for the WRC, but we know Subaru might not be so keen – this resolution potentially offers opportunity across the board".
Source: DirtFish.com
Photo Credits: Toyota
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