The FIA’s proposal suggests significant changes for the World Rally Championship as early as next season. The challenge lies in implementing these changes mid-current homologation cycle.
Led by Robert Reid and David Richards, the FIA’s WRC Working Group has unveiled a reform package with several radical proposals. One of the most significant proposed changes is the abandonment of the hybrid units in Rally1 cars.
“For sure, seen from the past, they are great guys and have made some great history,” commented Hyundai’s star driver Ott Tänak, referring to Reid and Richards.
“I would say it doesn’t really matter what the technical regulations are. I mean, the proposals have definitely complicated things for all the teams and manufacturers. They have put many of us in a very difficult situation, especially with the new season fast approaching. And it’s something that hasn’t even been voted on yet,” Tänak expressed.
“I guess the tricky part is that we can’t see that the sport is really under control. Random decisions are coming from random people year to year. There is no clear vision of where we want to go. And these kinds of things are really worrying,” Tänak expressed.
The idea behind the FIA’s proposal is to bring Rally1 and Rally2 cars closer together, which Tänak sees as a significant risk.
“We’re reducing a lot of power in the Rally1 car, where the chassis and roll cages are designed for protection. Then, we’re increasing power in the Rally2 car, which doesn’t have the same level of safety features. I’m really surprised that these guys are comfortable taking on this responsibility and putting drivers at such risk. Yes, rally is always risky, but I’m surprised that they are making these decisions when safety has long been the top priority. It’s not just about this specific issue but generally, the way things are being handled is surprising.”
Tänak’s teammate, Thierry Neuville, has already stated that the FIA’s proposed change package is a panic solution. Tänak agrees.
“It’s happening in a very short term, without discussions with the manufacturers. The sport hasn’t been in a good place, and there are only a few teams keeping it on its feet. Decisions have been made without even considering a discussion with these few teams. So, as I mentioned, I’m quite surprised by the way decisions are being made,” Tänak added.
Particularly, abandoning the current hybrid units has caused dissatisfaction. Drivers have repeatedly said it would be unwise to abandon them.
“The decision was made, and it was agreed upon until the end of 2026. Everyone was prepared for it. So all the teams have been ready to carry it out, and that’s it. But the most complicated issues always happen when these kinds of shock decisions are made,” Tänak stated.
“Even this regulation has not been voted on yet, so we don’t even know at the moment what is going to happen. I would say it doesn’t really matter what the drivers say; it’s more important to keep the manufacturers happy. There are only a limited number of manufacturers at the moment, and even with the current situation, we are still working against them. It is a bit of strange behavior,” Tänak concluded.
Tänak doesn’t want to quit rallying despite his disappointment with the chaos within the FIA.
“I definitely would like to stick around. The sport is fun. But these kinds of unstable conditions at the FIA are not helping. Nevertheless, the sport is still enjoyable, and I love it. I just hope they don’t ruin it too much,” Tänak asserted.
