At the beginning of the year, the FIA (International Automobile Federation) presented its proposal for changes to the teams. However, all three current teams – Toyota, Hyundai, and M-Sport Ford – have expressed that it’s not worthwhile to implement major changes for the interim years 2025-26. Instead, the rally teams hope to focus on the 2027 season when the current homologation period expires.
Meetings between the FIA, the WRC Promoter, and representatives of the WRC teams have been held weekly. The final regulations for the coming years will be decided at the FIA World Motor Sport Council meeting in June. According to the latest information, there won’t be radical changes to the technical regulations for Rally1 cars, but confirmation will come in a couple of weeks.
“I think decisions will start being made, or at least we will have some soon. As I have said, manufacturers want to stay as close to the current situation as possible and avoid making any changes. It always costs a lot,” explains Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala to RallyJournal.com.
“I think everyone wants to focus their energy on the 2027 regulations. That is certainly the top priority for every team.”
Latvala does not believe that the major aerodynamic changes and engine power reductions proposed by the FIA will be implemented.
“I haven’t been involved in all the technical meetings, so I can’t honestly say where things stand. I don’t know the details, but I think the discussion has been more about whether to remove the hybrid or not. Otherwise, we will probably continue in much the same way,” Latvala summarises.
According to the FIA, reducing the performance of the cars would lead to cost savings in the future. However, if such a project were only implemented for two rally seasons, it would likely bring significantly more costs.
“If we had to change our car’s aerodynamics, we’d have to start testing from the wind tunnel onwards, and that costs a huge amount. It’s certainly in everyone’s interest not to go down that road,” Latvala explains.
“I don’t think we’ll see changes in aerodynamics. The costs would get out of hand. It’s not good for anyone. Other issues, like power and the hybrid system, are question marks.”
Hyundai, among others, has even hinted at leaving the WRC if the FIA pushes through new technical regulations for the next season.
“The FIA surely wants commitment from the teams. It would be important to know that all teams will be involved in 2025-26. That is certainly the most important thing. No new teams will join in that timeframe, that’s for sure,” Latvala reflects.
“It’s better to focus energy on 2027 and then look at new regulations. From our side, we can run with either Rally1 or Rally2 cars. It’s more about the other two teams ensuring the rules suit them and they are satisfied.”
