Significant changes have been proposed for the WRC as early as next season. A working group appointed by the FIA has suggested, among other things, phasing out the hybrid units of Rally1 cars after this season. Additionally, there’s an effort to align the main class and WRC2 class more closely.
Changes related to Rally1 cars, in particular, have faced substantial criticism, as the changes are planned to be implemented homologation cycle. However, no decisions have been finalized yet. The teams have informed the FIA that they would like to continue with the current technical rules until the end of the 2026 season.
Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala told RallyJournal.com that the communication has been good and that the changes have been discussed together with the FIA. Latvala gave his comments before the FIA’s WRC commission meeting this week, where discussions about the rules for the coming years took place.
“I start to feel that things are improving and moving forward, which is very good and very important. But, of course, there is still work to be done to finalize everything. To have Rally1 and Rally2+ cars on the same level next year is quite a task,” Latvala said.
In the FIA’s proposed reform package, WRC2 cars would have access to a so-called WRC kit. The purpose is to make Rally2 cars more powerful, allowing them to compete more equally with Rally1 cars.
Latvala revealed that Toyota might potentially introduce a WRC kit to its second-class cars next season if the rule is confirmed.
“That much I can say: we are considering it; we have not dismissed it,” Latvala revealed.
“But we just need to get a clear view from the FIA about the regulations, confirming that these are the regulations which can be fixed. I believe the goal should be to avoid increasing the costs,” Latvala outlined.
Latvala showed cautious approval for the updated Rally2 cars.
“I think this is everyone’s target, including the FIA’s—to keep costs under control. Personally, I don’t think it’s such a bad idea to have this Rally2 kit, but it needs to maintain the right balance so that it doesn’t become too expensive,” the Toyota boss emphasized.
