The FIA has approved a power increase for next year’s Rally1 machinery as it looks to maintain a clear performance gap between the new top-class cars and the Rally2 field.
Under the updated regulations, Toyota’s all-new 2027-specification car, the two manufacturer entries from Project Rally One and WRT Rally1 Spain, as well as Rally2 cars upgraded to the 2027 specification, will be allowed to run a 33mm air restrictor instead of the current 32mm unit.
The larger restrictor is expected to increase airflow by approximately three per cent, resulting in an estimated gain of around 12bhp. This would push Rally1 cars beyond the 300bhp mark, while Rally2 machinery will remain at approximately 290bhp.
Cars upgraded from Rally2 to Rally1 specification will also benefit from a reduction in minimum weight. The minimum weight will be lowered by 10kg, providing an additional performance advantage for cars such as M-Sport’s Ford Fiesta.
The FIA has also introduced greater flexibility for manufacturers regarding the transition to the new regulations. Teams will now have until April next year to confirm their commitment to running the new kit and upgrading a Rally2 car to Rally1 specification.
Both the increased power and the extended deadline form part of a wider validation package, which is scheduled to be discussed by the FIA World Motor Sport Council on October 15.
Source: DirtFish.com
Photo Credits: Toyota
Post a Comment