In addition to the events, there’s a significant workload with testing. Besides preparing for the WRC events through tests, teams must gear up for the 2025 season when significant changes are expected in the current Rally1 cars.
The FIA announced earlier this week that hybrid units would be removed from the premier class cars after this season. Additionally, adjustments are to be made to the cars’ restrictors and aerodynamics.
Also read: Farewell to hybrids! Major changes in the World Rally Championship
On top of all this, teams must test Hankook’s new tyres. The South Korean company begins its tenure as the official tyre supplier for the WRC in the 2025 season, with tyre development slated for the current season.
Teams have a limited number of test days outside their own testing areas. This year, the FIA has provided teams with a slight concession: the World Motor Sport Council confirmed this week that teams would receive ten additional test days exclusively for Hankook tyre testing.
Hyundai and Toyota have already conducted a day’s testing with Hankook tyres. Esapekka Lappi was the first to test the new tyres at Hyundai’s testing ground in Central Finland in early February. A few days later, it was Takamoto Katsuta‘s turn to test Hankook tyres in Toyota’s testing area.
Likely, teams won’t be able to use the tyre testing days for other development purposes. For instance, Lappi mentioned during Rally Sweden that no adjustments to the car’s settings were allowed during tyre testing.
The WRC will continue with Pirelli tyres until the end of this year. Hankook’s contract covers the 2025-27 seasons.
