In recent months, there have been more bad news than good from the WRC. In October, Kalle Rovanperä announced that he would step away from the championship, and last weekend Ott Tänak also revealed he was leaving the special stages behind.
Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala said that the WRC simply has to survive through 2026 after two champions depart, but things could start to improve in 2027 when new technical regulations will take effect in the top category.
The new rules are designed to revitalise competition and attract new manufacturers. So far, only Toyota has confirmed the development of a car under the so-called WRC27 regulations, although Rally2 cars will also be eligible to compete in the top class from 2027 onwards.
Overall, the situation in the championship does not appear particularly promising – especially as there is still no clarity on the future promoter.
However, Belgian sources suggest that a real bombshell is brewing beneath the surface. Experienced rally journalist Olivier de Wilde reports on Belgian website Autotrends.be that as many as nine teams have WRC27-related plans – at least on paper.
Hyundai team principal Cyril Abiteboul had previously stated that the team was not developing a new car for 2027, but could continue competing with its Rally2 model. According to the Belgian report, that is exactly what will happen, with Hyundai expected to field an updated version of its Rally2 car for 2028.
Next season, Lancia will return to the World Rally Championship in the WRC2 category. The Belgian outlet also reports that Lancia has a WRC27 project on the table, aiming to have its new-generation car ready for the start of the 2028 season.
According to the same source, Škoda is developing its own WRC27 machine, and there have also been rumours of a Subaru comeback. British outfit Prodrive is expected to build a WRC27 car as well, although it remains unclear which manufacturer brand the tubular-frame car will represent.
De Wilde also mentions positive signals from Spain, where an as-yet-unnamed private team is preparing to unveil its own project before the end of the year. In addition, M-Sport Poland has reportedly been tasked by its parent company to study a WRC27 concept, even if the British arm of M-Sport is still considering a Rally2 alternative.
“In total, no fewer than nine WRC27 projects are currently between the drawing board and early development – with at least one expected to be on wheels by the end of this year. Even if only five of them ultimately materialise, that would be enough to secure a promising future for the sport,” de Wilde writes.
At present, three teams compete in the WRC’s top category. Toyota, Hyundai and M-Sport Ford are the only manufacturers fielding Rally1 cars, but if these new projects take shape, the WRC grid could look very different within just two years.
