From 2027 onwards, new rules will be in force in the World Rally Championship. The final elements of these rules were approved at the meeting of the Motor Sport Council. The homologation regulations define the key requirements demanded of the new WRC27 cars when the championship moves into a new era after next year.
“The WRC27 technical regulations, originally approved in December 2024, have since undergone a final phase of refinement over the past year, and today’s confirmation of the homologation regulations concludes this process, providing constructors with a clear, long-term structure for the development and production of the next generation of rally machinery”, the FIA’s statement says.
The rule updates state that at least ten WRC27 cars must be built within 24 months from the date of homologation. In addition, the car manufacturer must be prepared to supply customers with at least ten competition-ready WRC27 cars within a single calendar year.
“The homologation conditions for WRC27-type cars mandate the production of at least ten units within twenty-four months of the homologation date. Constructors must also be capable of supplying at least ten race-ready WRC27-type cars per calendar year to customers. In addition, the regulations confirm that the homologation of a WRC27-type car is valid for a ten-year period,” the statement clarifies.
The WRC27 cars are intended to be significantly cheaper than the current Rally1 cars, which would better enable private teams to participate alongside the factory teams. The new rule updates also clarify participation requirements.
“In line with the FIA’s target to increase the number of competitors in the top category of the WRC, the requirements for entry and participation have been updated, The regulations stipulate that homologation may only be granted once a constructor has officially registered for the championship, and participation requirements have been introduced so that a homologated car must contest at least fifty per cent of WRC events in its first year with a minimum of two cars per rally, increasing to full participation across all events from the second year,” the statement says.
