The FIA announced its framework for the 2027 regulations at the end of 2024, outlining significant changes.
The most notable shift is that manufacturers will have greater freedom to base rally cars on a wider variety of platforms, while a new cost cap will drastically reduce vehicle prices.
Currently, Rally1 cars are reported to cost around one million euros, but under the new rules, this figure will drop to 345,000 euros.
The hope is that this reduction will attract new manufacturers to the championship. However, there is concern that the gap between Rally1 and Rally2 cars may narrow too much, potentially diminishing the appeal and prestige of the series.
Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville, the reigning world champion, supports the general direction of the changes but warns of potential pitfalls.
“Overall, I think the basis of what they have announced are good. And I like the concept,” Neuville told RallyJournal.com.
“I am very much convinced that we need to have a distinct Rally1 category separate from Rally2 and not make the same cars. I believe that if manufacturers want to be officially involved in the manufacturers’ championship, they want to showcase some of their technologies and have the opportunity to create technological differences in terms of performance and reliability,” Neuville continued.
“At the moment, it looks like this isn’t fully possible with the new regulations. But I think there’s still some time to discuss those details.”
Overall, Neuville said he is pleased with the general direction the championship is taking.
“Nevertheless, the cars will be less expensive, and the seasons should also be less costly for our team and for manufacturers. These are positive aspects, and that’s definitely the direction we need to go in,” Neuville said.
If Neuville could single-handedly decide the future of the WRC, he would draw inspiration from the lower categories.
“I think the current foundation for Rally2 cars is very solid. I would allow manufacturers who want to enter the Rally1 championship to have some technical upgrades. There are a lot of features we see on current road cars now, like active suspension, brake-by-wire, and steering-by-wire. These technologies are still in development and require more testing and experience,” Neuville outlined.
“I believe rallying is the perfect proving ground for that, driving in three different kinds of conditions and across a wide range of temperatures. Based on the recently announced regulations for Rally1 cars, I think there should be performance upgrades – maybe 80 more horsepower, a bit more aerodynamics, and paddle shifters. Additionally, active suspension and some small technological tweaks would make it more exciting,” Neuville concluded.
