For some time, there has been speculation on how to introduce more competition into the WRC. The championship’s premier class has been at risk of stagnation with only three WRC teams participating: Hyundai, Toyota, and M-Sport Ford operating without factory support.
A key topic of discussion has been the cost of the current Rally1 hybrid cars, which are around one million euros. Now, the FIA has decided to cut costs by bidding farewell to hybrid units after this season.
Rally1 cars will continue in the WRC’s top class in 2025 and 2026, but with cost-reducing modifications. Hybrid units will be removed from the cars starting next season. The lost performance will be compensated by reducing the car’s total weight and making changes to aerodynamics and the air restrictor.
No changes are planned for Rally2 cars, but from next season, an option to acquire a so-called WRC kit will be available. The kit includes a larger restrictor, a larger exhaust, optional paddle shift gearbox, and a rear wing to narrow the performance gap between Rally1 and Rally2 cars. FIA did not specify whether “upgraded” Rally2 cars will compete in the WRC’s top class.
Revised technical regulations for the WRC’s top category, based on the current Rally1 concept, will be introduced in 2026. These regulations will run concurrently with the current Rally1 regulations for the 2026 season.
Cars under the new rules will use a common safety cell to reduce costs and complexity, allowing manufacturers and tuners to develop cars based on their own bodywork from production models including B-class, C-class, compact SUV, or a Concept Car, following strict technical criteria.
The target power output is set at 330hp, with engine performance controlled by a reference torque curve for all cars. Engine and transmission will be cost-capped, and technology limited to Rally2 equivalence. Aerodynamic efficiency will be limited, along with a top speed restriction to reduce development costs.
The cost per car will be capped at €400,000, and WRC manufacturers will be required to make their cars available for sale directly from the finish parc fermé of a WRC event.
An electric category will be introduced into the WRC as soon as possible, with the FIA technical department tasked with establishing suitable technical regulations that could utilise the new Rally1 safety cell and achieve parity of performance with Rally1 cars running on sustainable fuel.
Additionally, changes are expected in WRC events in the near future. Rally organisers will have more freedom in route planning, but the competition must still finish on Sunday with a Power Stage.
Currently, events are roughly the same length, but in the future, the calendar may include shorter sprint-style races and longer endurance events. The aim is that the total distance covered over the season remains the same.
Moreover, the FIA encourages the use of remote services. This can spread the reach of events and reduce liaison kilometres.
