The World Motor Sport Council, under the FIA, has outlined that for the next classification period starting in 2027, significant cost reductions will be pursued. The biggest change is that the price cap for top-class cars in the WRC will be set at €345,000.
This represents a substantial reduction compared to current Rally1 cars, which are estimated to cost as much as €1 million. The FIA emphasised in its statement that the decision was made in consultation with all stakeholders, meaning that both teams and the WRC promoter have strongly supported the move.
Manufacturers will also have greater flexibility, as the car body design will not be as restricted as it is now. As long as the rally car’s technology fits within the current safety cage dimensions, the model can range from a civilian SUV to a hatchback.
Costs will also be further reduced by limiting the personnel travelling to WRC event locations. From 2027 onwards, there will be an emphasis on increasing the involvement of local operators and improving the availability of data from event sites, with better consideration of environmental impact.
In 2027, manufacturers will have the opportunity to build their competition cars for the WRC based on a variety of car models. Powertrains will also be free to choose from, allowing manufacturers to equip their rally cars with internal combustion engines, hybrid engines, or fully electric systems. The use of the current biofuel is expected to continue in the WRC two years from now.
From 2027 onwards, the FIA also aims to simplify manufacturers’ participation in both the WRC and World Rallycross Championship. The same car could be used in both series, with the powertrain adjustable according to the series.
“The regulations that we have approved today are critical to the long-term growth of the FIA World Rally Championship. They lay the foundations for an exciting future with a focus on cost containment, sustainability and growing participation at the top level of rallying,” said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
“We set some clear objectives based on what the competitors, organisers and fans were telling us, and this has resulted in a set of regulations that will massively reduce costs and allow independent teams to compete with manufacturers, while giving the WRC the flexibility to remain relevant regardless of the shifting automotive landscape. We still have some work to do, but I’m really excited for this future,” told FIA President of the WRC Commission, Pernilla Solberg.
