The FIA’s World Motor Sport Council decided earlier this autumn to remove hybrid units from Rally1 cars. Hybrids have been part of the top tier of the sport only since the start of 2022.
Next season will still feature the familiar Rally1 cars, but without hybrid units. This change will reduce the cars’ power output but also lower their weight, with the minimum weight dropping from 1,260 kilograms to 1,180 kilograms.
According to Hyundai’s Ott Tänak, the change is not particularly impactful.
“I was not really at the table when they were making the decision or aware of the details or background behind it. But anyhow, it’s like this, and that’s it. It’s finally sorted now. This has been an ongoing issue for a year and has definitely made everyone’s life quite complicated,” Tänak said.
“But anyhow, it is what it is now, and it’s the decision. In the end, whatever the decision is, it’s still better to have one than to be left in uncertainty.”
While the lower minimum weight will improve agility, the removal of hybrids means a significant loss of power. Additionally, the FIA’s decision to reduce the restrictor size from 36 millimetres to 35 millimetres further impacts engine performance.
However, Tänak believes that overthinking the car’s changes for next season is unnecessary, as he sees bigger questions looming for the sport.
“Power is always good to have—no question. But let’s say less weight is also a positive. From a performance point of view, I don’t think it’s a big deal,” Tänak emphasised.
“The real issue here, I think, is the stability or consistency of the sport, which is the bigger topic.”
