Following the current season, hybrid units will be phased out, and regulations will undergo extensive revisions. The aim is to reduce costs significantly, so that a Rally1 car will cost €400,000, more than halving its current price.
The next two seasons might witness the introduction of upgraded Rally2 cars, equipped with an optional WRC kit. Peter Thul, the senior director for sport at WRC Promoter, shared his insights with RallyJournal.com. The sense of urgency is palpable, with a clear message that drastic measures are necessary to prevent the sport’s top-class from driving to difficulties.
“My view is that this is a good way and the right direction. We believe that sustainable fuel is key for rallying. Since the hybridization was implemented by the FIA in collaboration with manufacturers, we respect that. We still believe that there is significant room for improvement in our sport to to carry out the story more properly about the sustainable fuel,” Thul explained the new developments to RallyJournal.com.
“The reforms need a lot of work, but generally, we are quite open to that and to everything which brings the sport forward, allows the car manufacturers to continue, and helps to bring in new manufacturers and reduce the cost and complexity, which is good.”
Implementing the WRC’s regulatory reforms involves navigating a complex negotiation maze. The WRC Promoter, the International Automobile Federation (FIA), and car manufacturers each have their own interests.
So, was there anything the promoter wished to alter?
“We need to work all together on the promotion of the product,” Thul said.
“That means it involves us, the FIA, and the manufacturers. So let’s say the direction is the right one, and now it’s up to us to collaboratively develop the best solution for the future. I understand that the technical commission will now begin to define the regulations that should be implemented by the middle of the year.”
