As previously speculated by RallyJournal.com, it appears highly likely that Rally1 cars will no longer feature hybrid units in the 2025 season. The esteemed motorsport publication Autosport also announced on Tuesday that hybrid units are now a thing of the past.
According to Autosport, the reason for this change is the sharply increasing repair costs of hybrid units for the upcoming year. Speculation regarding the use of hybrid systems has been ongoing throughout the year, with indications at times suggesting their retention, while at other times pointing in the opposite direction.
Read more: A multi-million euro bill for WRC teams? M-Sport Ford boss delivers a strong statement
According to Autosport, the FIA’s WRC Commission decided on Tuesday to discontinue the use of hybrid units, effective from the beginning of next year. This decision still requires final approval from the FIA.
Rally1 cars, equipped with hybrid units, were introduced at the start of the 2022 season. In February, the WRC working group proposed discontinuing these units in 2025. However, at that time, WRC teams opposed the idea, preferring to continue with the current cars through 2025 and 2026, until the current homologation period ends.
In September, during the Acropolis Rally in Greece, the issue resurfaced when it was revealed that from next season, hybrid units must be sent to their manufacturer, Compact Dynamics, if they experience three impacts of 15G or a single shock of 25G. Previously, the units could be reset during a rally without significant costs. This change would substantially increase the repair costs of hybrid units.
“The trend has shifted slightly, making it quite relevant in my view. But sadly, with the current rules on the safety of the units and the way they must be repaired after a shock, we’re facing extreme repair costs. That’s not feasible for us,” M-Sport Ford’s team principal Richard Millener said.
“We must also be pragmatic and recognise that the WRC community is small. Like any small community, we need to support each other. If steps are necessary to ensure participation and competition at events, we are open to taking them,” commented Hyundai’s team boss Cyril Abiteboul.
