One of the most significant changes proposed by the WRC working group was the abandonment of hybrid units in Rally1 cars. The hybrid units introduced to the championship in 2022 will become history as early as next season.
The decision was drastic, especially since the German company Compact Dynamics had agreed in September last year to supply hybrid units until the end of the 2026 season. Now, there’s a push to significantly cut costs in the cars, with ditching the hybrid units being one of the methods.
Understandably, Compact Dynamics was stunned by the decision.
“As you can imagine my team and I are very disappointed about the decision. Our understanding, based on the negotiations we had in September 2023, was that the hybrid program would be extended until the end of 2026,” Oliver Blamberger, the managing director of Compact Dynamics, expresses his dismay on DirtFish.
The World Rally Championship was meant to move towards a more electric future with the introduction of hybrid units, already racing on sustainable fuel.
“In terms of a clear path to electrification and to show the willingness of a CO2 reduction, this decision is not understandable. It is like it is.”
“We will, of course, do everything we can to finish our engagement in the best and most professional manner,” Blamberger states.
It is not clear what the exact terms of the agreement between the WRC and Compact Dynamics were. However, David Richards, who leads the WRC working group, says the issue will soon be resolved.
“Let’s just say that it is an issue to be resolved at the moment and we’ll get this sorted out between the various parties in the next few weeks,” Richards explains.
The World Rally Championship continues with hybrid units at the end of March in Kenya.
