Rumors really started swirling at the beginning of the week when a photo of a page from the Italian Autosprint magazine spread on social media. The magazine headlined that from 2025, WRC would race with so-called Rally2+ cars. In other words, an enhanced version of the Rally2 car, which currently competes in the WRC2 class.
“FIA will end the Rally1 cars at the end of this season, making Lancia’s return to the WRC a reality,” the Italian magazine claimed.
The same publication previously reported that Italian manufacturer Lancia is developing a Rally2-car, which could enter the WRC2 class as early as 2025. According to information, the car is based on Lancia’s Ypsilon model.
Read more: Source: Lancia making a comeback to the WRC
The claims have created a lot of discussion on social media. Many have hoped that the current Rally1 cars would be discarded and Rally2 cars would be introduced to the premier class to bring in more cars, manufacturers, and especially drivers.
M-Sport Ford’s team manager Richard Millener outright dismissed the wildest rumors.
“It’s not possible in 2025. That’s just 11 months away, there are no rules in place, development work hasn’t started, and there are no signs of additional budget for developing a Rally2 car,” Millener told the Norwegian Parc Ferme website.
The 2025 is indeed a very optimistic target for a major change. And Millener is not ready to give up the current Rally1 cars, even though their price tag is significantly higher than Rally2 machinery.
“We need to make our sport more visible and find ways to bring in more cars. I know it’s a tough task, but if the sport is good enough, money won’t be an issue at that point,” Millener noted.
Adrien Fourmaux, competing this year with M-Sport’s Ford Puma Rally1 car, is somewhat more positive about the idea of competing in the WRC premier class with Rally2 cars.
“If it would increase competition, then yes. If it could bring in more manufacturers, then yes. We need more manufacturers,” Fourmaux emphasized.
